WASHINGTON – Catholic women religious joined immigration advocates at a rally on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol to urge Congress to support communities that welcome asylum seekers and other immigrants.
Speakers from Network, a Catholic social justice advocacy organization, and the immigrant advocacy group Welcome with Dignity reminded the few dozen participants gathered outside on a warm afternoon that all people are connected and that immigrants who have contributed to this country deserve to be welcomed here.
Speakers also urged Congress to do more, saying immigrant advocacy groups are doing their part but need support.
This message was echoed by Sister Susan Wilcox, a Sister of St. Joseph from Brentwood, New York, who spoke about her work welcoming migrants arriving in New York City by the busload.
“New Yorkers across the state have shown that they want to welcome immigrants and care for those in need in our communities. We want to work with our non-profit service providers and the government. We just need a little help,” she said.
The rally, which took place as Congress prepared to vote on the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations bill, concluded with prayers for immigrants and immigration reform, and prayers that the Network’s letter to members of Congress, signed by 9,000 US Catholics, would have an impact.
The letter, which was to be delivered to some congressional offices after the rally, urged lawmakers to “move decisively away from a punitive response to migration” by reducing funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, cutting funding for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and rescinding unspent funds for the construction of the border wall.
He reminded lawmakers of Pope Francis’ 2015 address to Congress, in which he said: “When the stranger in our midst appeals to us, we must not repeat the sins and errors of the past. We must resolve now to live as nobly and justly as possible, while educating new generations not to turn their backs on our ‘neighbours’ and all that surrounds us.”
The letter also said that “for far too long, our immigrant siblings have waited for Congress to pass legislation that affirms their dignity by providing access to citizenship and services. The efforts of successive administrations and Congresses have eroded long-standing protections for immigrants in the US”.
She urged Congress to provide support and long-term services for immigrants with legal aid, housing, transportation, education, job training, food security and health care, saying: “Our tax dollars should be used to invest in communities by keeping families together and giving everyone the resources they need to thrive.”
Three members of Congress joined the rally and thanked immigrant advocates for their work.
Rep. Lou Correa, D-California, held up a picture of Pope Francis and said he’s “my man” who gives a good example of Catholic teaching on caring for migrants, and Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, said immigrants have helped make the United States “the strongest nation in the world.”
Rep. Judy Chu, D-California, said the United States has a rich history of immigration, but that too many politicians today talk about immigrants as political pawns in a way that creates fear. As Congress considers funding, she said, it should uphold its “moral responsibility to protect those who seek refuge at our borders.
