Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Washington (Agenzia Fides) – Recalling that "the Holy Family is the archetype of the refugee families we see today both on our border and around the world", Bishop Mark Joseph Seitz of El Paso, in Texas, on 21 October addressing the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, offered some suggestions "for improving our response to these vulnerable people in America Central, in Mexico, on the USA-Mexico border and in the United States”.
In central America, " violence which threatens life at the national and local is a lack of respect for a rule of law; they have undermined citizens’ security, spread a culture of fear and desperation " said Mons. Seitz in his testimony. "Very often the risky journey northwards is seen as a family strategy to protect a child, because central American governments are totally incapable of providing protection for their citizens".
According to a report sent to Fides, in a 15 page Testimony Bishop Seitz said among other things "it is fundamental to remember that we still have on our hands a humanitarian crisis and we must do more. We must meet the needs of the children and families, not send them away, because Americans are a people of compassion ".
Bishop Seitz, who is an advisor to the Immigration Commission of the United States Catholic Bishop’ Conference and a member of the council of administration of the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, quoting words spoken by Pope Francis during his recent visit to the United States Congress, recommended the introduction of a regional control system which offers minors and their families the possibility of requesting asylum in Mexico and in other countries of the region, something which at present is not possible.
In 2015 the United States accepted some 40.000 unaccompanied minors and about the same number of mothers and children fleeing raging organised crime in Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras.
(CE) (Agenzia Fides, 23/10/2015)
AFRICA/SUDAN - Endless conflict, 10 million displaced. The Bishop of El Obeid: no one listens to the voice of God and the voice of the people
AFRICA/GHANA - Catholic women from the diocese of Navrongo-Bolgatanga bring gifts to the refugees of Tarikom on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr
AMERICA/VENEZUELA - Presidential elections, Bishops appeal not to desert the polls
AFRICA/NIGERIA - The Catholic Bishops and the Islamic Forum of Nigeria contrary to the Samoa Agreement: “A threat to the sovereignty and values of Nigeria”
AFRICA/KENYA - Bishops address young protesters: "Your hopes are our hopes"
AFRICA/KENYA - "Protests against the finance bill triggered something bigger"