Catholic leaders and advocates protest the Trump administration’s handling of detained immigrant children during a “Catholic Day of Action for Immigrant Children” July 18, in the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington. (CNS/Tyler Orsburn)

By Sister Jean Anne Zappa, OSU
During this past Labor day holiday weekend when our country was focused on the beginning of college football season, and watching a hurricane in the Atlantic, the president of our country created two new regulations regarding children and immigration. These two regulations are violations of pro-life thinking and acting.

First, he decided to extend children separated from their families and keep them in detention indefinitely. Secondly, just this past Thursday, he decided to send letters to immigrant parents whose children need special medical treatment. The children are here in the U.S. receiving lifesaving medical treatment or experimental medical treatment. These parents and children have been told to leave in 30 days. 

I urge all of us who believe in pro-life issues to write or call the White House or your senator, and express your outrage over these two new cruel policies that this administration is trying to implement. We are better than this as a country. We know we are better than this as Christians.

“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me. I was ill and you comforted me, in prison and you came to visit me. I assure you, as often as you did it for the least among you, you did it for me.” —Matthew 25:35-40

 

“Cruelty toward the suffering and bullying the most vulnerable should not be national policy and we cannot allow it to continue,” —Bishop John Stowe, Lexington, KY

https://cruxnow.com/church-in-the-usa/2019/07/19/backing-catholic-action-day-bishops-call-out-cruelty-in-policies/

#CatholicDayofAction #Catholics4Migrants

https://cruxnow.com/church-in-the-usa/2019/07/19/backing-catholic-action-day-bishops-call-out-cruelty-in-policies/
https://cruxnow.com/church-in-the-usa/2019/07/19/backing-catholic-action-day-bishops-call-out-cruelty-in-policies/

The following is a statement from Network: Advocates for Justice, Inspired by Catholic Sisters:
End the Detention of Children and Families at the Border

We are deeply troubled by images of immigrant children detained in deplorable conditions at our border. We are disturbed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids and deportations tearing families and communities apart and terrorizing our children. We are angered by the Trump administration’s new rule permitting DHS (the Department of Homeland Security) to indefinitely detain immigrant children and families seeking safety in the United States. The Senate has the power, through the appropriations process, to end these injustices.

The faith community condemns this cruel and inhumane treatment of immigrant children and families. Not only is it a violation of human dignity and human rights, it is contrary to religious teachings and our sacred call to care for people who are most at risk, especially children.

To contact your senator, call 188-436-6478