Here is the latest from the Vincent de Paul Society and the US Border Crisis

What Can We Do?

• Continue to advocate for immigration reform, the only thing that can ensure the long- term stability and well-being of many migrant families.

The Senate passed Comprehensive Immigration Reform last year. The House has yet to do so. It is essential that the House of Representatives forthrightly address these complex and divisive issue. There is good support in the House for Immigration Reform, but unfortunately, the House leadership has not allowed legislation to come to the floor. It is imperative that we continue to put pressure on our representatives by writing to them or, better yet, by bringing a group of Vincentians to meet with their staff at their local district offices.

• We can also advocate that the U.S. Government allocate sufficient resources for the compassionate handling of children and families, detained at the border or with temporary stay, pending further proceeding and deportation.
• We can provide immediate help to immigrant families living in our communities (often split families or families living in hiding).
• Pray that our country treats these children and families with compassion and gives them protection. They are our brothers and sisters, who are the crucified members of the Body of Christ.

Funds Now Available for Vincentians Serving Those in Need 

Vincentians from across the country have been contacting the National Council office to inquire how they can assist with the U.S. border crisis, particularly the unaccompanied minors.

Donations received for specific reasons cannot be used for any other need except as intended.  Thus, donors can be assured this will be done legally and ethically.

We continue to accept donations at the National Council, where all financial donations should be sent for tracking and accounting purposes.  We are holding donations and will begin distributing based on the needs advised by Councils and Conferences assisting directly with this crisis.

A U.S. HUMANITARIAN CRISIS United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

To Flee Violence

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) claims unaccompanied children not only face violence in their homeland, but extreme dangers of crossing through Mexico in an attempt to enter the U.S.

“Violence and coercion, including extortion, kidnapping, threats, and coercive and forcible recruitment of children into criminal activity are perpetrated by transnational criminal organizations and gangs have become part of everyday life in all of these countries, exerting control over communities,” reports USCCB.

In 2013, USCCB traveled to Central America to interview children who attempted to migrate to the U.S. Their report found poverty, violence and insecurity in El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras to be the leading cause to pursue on an equally dangerous journey to the U.S.