Migration Policy and Human Trafficking. The more difficult we make it for people to move, the more likely they are to be trafficked,” said Canadian Jesuit and Vatican expert Father Michael Czerny. How can this not be surprising? The Church supports those who have been trafficked and migrating.
ICYMI – St. Josephine Bakhita. St. Josephine Bakhita was sold into slavery at an early age, but was later freed and served God in religious life. She died in 1947 and was canonized in 2000. Her feast day is February 8. Click here to see her icon and prayer card.
Don’t Forget to Register For New Americans Day at the Georgia State Capitol. Click here for more information and registration. This is a good opportunity to share Catholic teaching.
Lawsuit Filed Over Prolonged Detention of Children. With everything else filling the media, detained children fall into the background. However, the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc., and others have joined a class action on behalf of the more than 10,000 children currently being held by the Trump administration in detention centers across the country. Jeanne Atkinson, Executive Director of CLINIC stated, “We cannot allow this administration to continue to intentionally keep children away from their families, it is immoral and inhumane.” The full statement and links to the briefs are available online.
U.S. Bishops and the “Federal Shutdown.” The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) President, along with Chairman of Bishops’ Migration Committee issued a statement urging the President and lawmakers to end the shutdown. It also stated that the Administration’s proposal for temporary relief for DACA and TPS recipients was not sufficient. DACA and TPS recipients need a path to permanent relief. Furthermore, legislation should not increase the burdens on those seeking asylum.