Chairman of the USCCB Committee on Migration and Presidents of Catholic
Relief Services and Catholic Charities USA Issued Statement Urging Humane
Action Towards Those Seeking Protection
October 29, 2018
WASHINGTON— Bishop Joe S. Vásquez of Austin, Chairman
of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Migration, Sean
Callahan, President and CEO of Catholic Relief Services, and Sister Donna
Markham OP PhD, President and CEO of Catholic Charities USA issued the
following statement urging all people of goodwill to speak and act with
compassion towards those migrating north and seeking refuge from violence and
poverty.
The full statement follows:
“As Catholic agencies assisting poor and vulnerable migrants
in the United States and around the world, we are deeply saddened by the
violence, injustice, and deteriorating economic conditions forcing many people
to flee their homes in Central America. While nations have the right to protect
their borders, this right comes with responsibilities: governments must enforce
laws proportionately, treat all people humanely, and provide due process.
We affirm that seeking asylum is not a crime. We urge
all governments to abide by international law and existing domestic laws that
protect those seeking safe haven and ensure that all those who are returned to
their home country are protected and repatriated safely.
Furthermore, we strongly advocate for continued U.S.
investments to address the underlying causes of violence and lack of
opportunity in Central America. Our presence throughout the Americas has
convinced us that migration is a regional issue that requires a comprehensive,
regional solution. An enforcement-only approach does not address nor solve the
larger root causes that cause people to flee their countries in search of
protection.
As Christians, we must answer the call to act with
compassion towards those in need and to work together to find humane solutions
that honor the rule of law and respect the dignity of human life.”
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Keywords: United States Conference of Catholic
Bishops, USCCB, Bishop Joe S. Vásquez, Committee on Migration, Sean Callahan,
Catholic Relief Services, Sister Donna Markham, Catholic Charities USA,
migrants, asylum, Immigration, Central America.
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Media Contact:
Judy Keane
202-541-3200