Undocumented children are crossing into the United States in order to flee the violence and poverty of their own countries. Undocumented: this means they have no papers; they are 'illegals'. Children from ages 8 to 16 are traveling across dangerous ground alone in order to get to the United States. People who flee violence and poverty or famine are generally called refugees......at least when they are fleeing to a country other than the United States. There are Palestinian refugees and Syrian refugees and Ukrainian refugees and Somalian refugees and Congolese refugees. Refugees. They are seeking refuge.
Is that what the United States is offering these children? Refuge? How are we preparing to host those who must flee impossible conditions in their own country? Warehouses?
There is some discussion of hosting some of these children in an empty convent here in Syracuse. They will need some help, perhaps a change of clothes, a friendly face, a book to read. How will we be a part of welcoming these young refugees even as our country's laws are being followed? Are our laws what they should be?
"Suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven."
What kind of a kingdom will we be.....in God's name?
No comments:
Post a Comment