Ways to Get involved - Refugee Crisis
Wandji, a former detainee, (in blue and yellow) playing soccer.
by Frank McCann, CSJP-A
What return can I make to God for all goodness shown to me? (PS. 116:12)
I know I cannot solve the refugee crisis on my own and remain saddened, if not depressed, over the election of someone so anti-immigrant to our nations’ leadership. But my Calais friends do not allow me to throw up my hands in despair. They require of me more resilient responses, many of which I could encourage readers to try.
Visit a Detainee
On my return, I resumed visiting immigrants in detention at the local Bergen County Jail. There are groups in both the U.K. and the U.S. that arrange such visits. If there is not one in your area, perhaps you could start one. For pointers on how to do so, you can contact First Friends of New Jersey and New York at www.firstfriendsnjny.org or Advocates for Immigrants in Detention Northwest in Washington state at www.aidnw.org.
One former detainee I visited from Cameroon was granted asylum in the U.S. in March and now lives with my wife and me in our home. He has been a delightful presence who welcomes our help in adjusting to American culture while teaching us as much as we teach him. He also provides us an opportunity to share with our neighbors the blessings of hospitality.
Support the UN
The United Nations is working hard on a global compact to deal with the migration crisis. Delegations need our encouragement and support to reach an agreement that honors and respects the dignity of those who are forced to leave their homelands. Many of the briefings can be viewed on UN TV. The more we learn about positive steps nations are taking, the more clarity we can offer to our elected leaders about solutions that can be reached to resolve the crisis and overcome hate.
Be a Part of Resettlement Efforts
In spite of the proposed bans in the United States and hardened attitudes toward refugees in the United Kingdom, resettlement of refugees continues, albeit at a reduced level. There are probably organizations in your area that are working on resettlement. Our diocese just assigned our parish to assist an Iraqi family to find shelter, work and assistance. This work involves realtors, translators, teachers, shoppers, cooks, resume writers and more. Many talents and many hands make for successful transitions for these families.
Accompany an Immigrant
In many areas, U.S. citizens are practicing nonviolent resistance by accompanying immigrants who have been ordered to report to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) offices. They are letting government officials know that the community cares for the immigrant and that we, especially as people of faith, strongly object to the breaking up of families through deportation.
We can only hope the continued and expanding experiences of hospitality will be as transformative for us all, as Calais was for the four of us who shared that experience.
I tell you solemnly whoever welcomes the one I send welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Jn. 13:20.
Read about Frank's experience at the "Jungle" refugee camp in Calais France.
This article was published in the Summer 2017 issue of Living Peace.