Statement Concerning Recent Changes in U.S. Immigration Policyfrom Catholic Religious Communities of Women in Indiana

"It is not just about migrants; it is about all of us, about the present and future of the human family."

Message for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, 2019, Pope Francis

As followers of Jesus we have heard the cry of the poor. Jesus told us to “welcome the stranger”; he also told us that “whatever you do to the least of these, you do to me”. We can no longer be silent. In our country today thousands are needlessly losing their jobs; millions could lose health coverage if

threatened cuts become reality; millions of children and elderly could end up severely hungry; and many live in fear of deportation. We feel it’s imperative to name all of these injustices but we want to focus on one.

“Welcome the stranger”. Migrants are our sisters and brothers in Christ – created in the image of our loving Creator just as the rest of us. They enrich our society through their presence, diverse cultures, work, and vitality, while also contributing essential work and tax revenue that helps sustain Social Security and other services that benefit everyone.

And so, we speak out for justice, for a recognition of the dignity of all who have moved here in pursuit of life and freedom. People fleeing violence and persecution deserve the freedom to seek asylum here. Our faith teaches us that an orderly, legitimate process for seeking asylum is, in fact, a primary way of welcoming the stranger. Seeking asylum is not a criminal act.

We call for an end to indiscriminate detentions and deportations. We call for an end to the Remain in Mexico program. We call for a resumption of asylum hearings, a restoration of the refugee resettlement program, and restoration of Temporary Protected Status. We also call for citizenship of all those who are DACA recipients.

As members of congregations of Catholic Sisters in Indiana, we stand in solidarity with all these, our sisters and brothers in Christ. We call for an end to injustice. We know that many others stand with us for decency and respect for others instead of the cruel injustice that robs many of respect, their families, and even their lives.

Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, Evansville

Monastery Immaculate Conception, Sisters of St Benedict, Ferdinand

Our Lady of Victory Missionary Sisters, Huntington

Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, Donaldson

Sisters of Providence, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods

Sisters of St. Francis, Oldenburg

Sisters of the Holy Cross, Notre Dame