| On Migration |
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| Thursday, 11 June 2009 07:25 |
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Migration is a phenomenon that has been present from the dawn of human history, and it has always, for this reason, characterized the relations between people and nations. The emergency that migration has become in our times, nevertheless, calls out to us and, while it solicits our solidarity, demands, at the same time, effective political answers. (Pope Benedict XVI, September 1, 2008) Most of us are aware of the tragic drowning of over 200 migrants off the coast of Libya in March. These persons were seeking a better life in Europe from the one they had in Africa. The Holy Father noted, We cannot resign ourselves to such tragedies that, unfortunately, repeat themselves time and time again! The phenomenon’s dimensions make coordinated strategies between the European Union and African countries more and more urgent, as well as the adoption of adequate humanitarian measures to impede migrants having recourse to lawless traffickers.1 The drowning incident is but one more story added to the world debate about migrant peoples. The migration of people is increasing on both the international and national levels. Most move to escape unbearable conditions ravaged by wars, environmental changes, national disasters, political upheavals, social injustices, persecution, discrimination, human trafficking or because of economic disparities where the poor have insufficient employment, income, food, clothing and shelter for survival. In recent decades, migration has “turned into a structural reality of contemporary society. It is becoming an increasingly complex problem from the social, cultural, political, religious economic and pastoral points of view.2 International migration is larger than domestic migration. Presently there are about 200 million people living outside their country of origin. This represents 3% of the world population. Some countries have up to 20-30% emigration.3 Most migrants are displaced and divided families, women and those groups entering without legal assistance. Public opinion in the United States remains largely divided on the issue of migration. On the one hand there are those who believe the United States should welcome immigrants and grant them legal status. They believe a good number of migrants enter the country to seek an honest living and a decent quality of life. On the other hand, many oppose the acceptance of migrants from their fear of criminal activities such as terrorism, drug trafficking, taking jobs away from citizens and having prejudice towards those from a different country and culture.
These present realities are a challenging moment for us to readily fulfill our vocation as Christians. It is one more sign of the times to respond to the migration crisis in light of Jesus’ Good News of salvation. Indeed, “Christian love is, by its very nature is prevenient. This is why single believers are called to open their arms and their hearts to every person from whatever nation they come. . .”4 We see in the Old Testament how the Chosen People were migrants and immigrants. Abraham was called by God from his homeland (Ur of the Chaledeans) to begin the arduous task of moving to the Land of Canaan. In Egypt he and his household were banished by Pharaoh. (Cf. Genesis 12:1-20). The Patriarch Joseph was sold into slavery and was forced to migrate to Egypt. But through the grace of God he became in charge of Pharaoh’s palace and with this authority, he was able to welcome his brothers, their families and followers to return to Egypt for safe living and be free from starvation. (Cf. Genesis 37-45) Under the Patriarch Moses, God’s People formulated a law from their own experience to accept the foreigner and stranger: For the Lord, your God, is the God of gods, the Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who has no favorites, accepts no bribes; who executes justice for the orphan and the widow and befriends the alien, feeding and clothing him. So you too must befriend the alien, for you were once aliens yourselves in the land of Egypt. (Deuteronomy 10:17-19) In the New Testament, we see the migration of the Holy Family: Jesus, Mary and Joseph. They had to escape from the threat of Herod. They too migrated from Bethlehem to Egypt until the death of Herod. They then traveled to Nazareth, their hometown. In the life of Jesus, He Himself had no place to rest his head. (Cf. Matthew 8:20) Above all Jesus called his disciples to recognize him in all persons, particularly the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, and those in prison. (Cf. Matthew 25:34-36) Indeed migrants are often victims these hardships.
The United States is a land of immigration born from migrant peoples coming from both the north and south. It has been a country of immigration since its conception. Today most immigrants are coming from Mexico, Latin America and Southeast Asia (India, China, Philippines predominantly). About 20% of households do not use English.5
The Catholic Church of the United States has responded heroically on behalf of exiles, migrants, and refugees. A particular example comes from the 19th century Catholic immigrant era. They were entrusted primarily to the care of Missionary Congregations. These immigrants came to our nation for a better life as the immigrants of today. Similar to many of our modern immigrants, they were often met with suspicion, discrimination and hostility from all sectors of society. The Church’s pastoral care of migrants to the United States continues its advocacy for their well being. They note, The presence of so many people of so many different cultures and religions in so many different parts of the United States has challenged us as a Church to profound conversion so that we can become truly a sacrament of unity. We reject the anti-immigrant stance that has become popular in different parts of our country, and the nativism, ethnocentricity, and racism that continue to reassert themselves in our communities.6 We have a situation today which calls for the “incarnation of the one faith in many cultures and thus represents an unprecedented challenge, a true kairos for the whole People of God.”7 The United States Catholic Bishops urge the education of Catholics and people of good will about the positive good that immigration brings to the nation. This will help to nourish public opinion on the beneficial contributions of immigrants and migrants for the common good. Additionally, they wish to organize networks of charitable and legal services to assist immigrants and migrants for positive reforms.
The discussions on immigration and migration must hinge on the dignity and worth of the human being. They must take into consideration that these people are made in the image and likeness of God who deserve respect and human rights. As human beings, immigrants and migrants have a right to the enhancement of a quality of life which affirms their dignity and worth. They have a right to just laws which show no discrimination and self-serving interests. Indeed it is the duty of the State, with the help of the Church, “to accept such immigrants and to help to integrate them into itself as new members.”8 When we see the pierced Heart of Christ, we see a new heart which God has given to us, and we wish to direct this to all persons. When we see the immigrant and migrant seeking refuge for a better life, we discover, Christ and bring to them hope that rests on the “knowledge that God is at work in the world, preparing a new dwelling place and a new earth where justice will abide.”9
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