Spiritual Snippet -- The Plight of the Migrant Child

 

My heart aches for the thousands of children who've crossed the Texas border in a brave effort to escape gang violence and poverty rampant in Central America.  They've endured intense fear and uncertainty.  Will they make it to the US border alive?  Will young girls shield themselves from sexual assault and rape?  Will young boys out-manuever the gangs so ready to force them into a life of crime?  It's lonely and dangerous fleeing from violence to the Land of Freedom.  Unfortunately, America's lack of efficient immigration policy and reform selects to automatically deport "illegal" immigrants, including innocent children, instead of welcoming and protecting them as refugees. They may not make it back to their homeland alive if they are deported! These natives of Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador are knocking at the border fence desperate for help and mercy.  These innocent children have no family to care for them.  Maybe their mother and father died.  Maybe their brothers and sisters were forced to work in a drug gang.  Or, maybe the family took the risk, allowing their child escape from the poverty and violence for a chance to start over in America. 

One thing I don't understand is this:  America is quick to threaten military strikes on Middle Eastern.  We are quick to protect the freedoms of the Iraq people.  However, we appear  to ignore the gangs and corrupt governments of countries south of the border.  No oil money is involved, so of course we adopt a "It's your problem" mentality. No wonder some Americans say:  Keep the foreigner out!  Our country is already too crowded with people who refuse to speak English! They take away all of our jobs.  Throw them out and let them deal with their own troubles!   Until we eliminate corruption and violence in these countries, we will experience the problem of illegal immigration.  Clear and simple.  Immigration reform is necessary and vital for our nation.  I wish Congress would stop all of the bickering and come up with a bi-partisan solution.  

I think more immigrants prefer to stay in their native country if it was safe and secure.  Adapting to American culture is no easy task, especially living among people who think negatively, often loathing  different cultures.  I remember in the early 1900's when immigrants from Italy, Ireland and other European companies traveled by ship to New York.  They desired a chance for a fresh new  start.  They were "illegal" immigrants at some point but managed to establish successful lives despite ongoing discrimination and prejudice.

Also, I think of the Israelites who escaped Egypt for the Promise Land.  They were clearly illegal immigrants when they arrived in Israel.  They weren't kicked out and deported back to Egypt.  They were given a new chance at a life free from slavery, violence and abuse.  Why can't we do the same for the Central American immigrants, especially the homeless children?

Thank God for Catholic Charities, the American Red Cross, and other non-profits who care for these refugees.  I pray the new immigrants be given the legal resources necessary to stay in this country.  In the meantime, our government needs to make a diligent effort to engage in peace talks with the Central American countries. Develop ways to eliminate crime and corruption.  Find ways to help elevate the poverty so people won't need to flee to America.  I know this is a lot to task for, but I think it can be done.  

As Christians, we should accept and welcome the immigrant, especially if he or she is escaping poverty, violence or persecution.  Don't cast them aside and send them home!  Welcome them with loving arms.  Care for them and give them the healing they so deserve. Continue to pray for the end of corruption and violence in our Central American countries.

-J.