Washington, DC – The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet is “appalled” by the U.S. treatment of asylum seekers arriving at our southern border:
In most of these cases, the migrants and refugees have embarked on perilous journeys with their children in search of protection and dignity and away from violence and hunger. When they finally believe they have arrived in safety, they may find themselves separated from their loved ones and locked in undignified conditions. This should never happen anywhere.
In a statement noting that “the detention of migrant children may constitute cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment that is prohibited by international law,” Bachelet urges the U.S. government to use community-based alternatives to detention for both children and adults, in the name of humanity.
Read this backgrounder on real alternatives to detention–with a 97% appearance rate–from Women’s Refugee Commission; Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service; U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops; National Immigrant Justice Center; and American Immigration Lawyers Association.
U.S. religious leaders and faithful Americans agree with the High Commissioner. As Congress reconvenes to consider funding for federal agencies with immigration duties, they urge lawmakers to hold the administration accountable for its horrific, deadly decisions that have irreparably harmed children and families.
Following are excerpts of quotes from faithful Americans across the nation; full quotes and additional perspectives are available here. See this memo for expert sources and materials on what should and should not be funded, as well as this fuller set of border policy recommendations from faith communities.
Sheila Katz, CEO, National Council of Jewish Women (Washington, DC)
As Congress debates how to fund the government for the next year, National Council of Jewish Women, representing more than 90,000 Jewish activists in the United States, reminds every elected official that a nation’s budget is a reflection of its moral values. As Jews, we know the real impact of programs that criminalize immigrants and we call on Congress to instead fund programs that care for families, children, asylum seekers, and other vulnerable populations.
Emmanuel Boakye-Yiadom, Pastor, All Nations UMC (Charlotte, NC)
As a nation, we should not forget our past.
Sister Mary Ellen Loch, Peace and Justice Coordinator, Congregation of St. Joseph, Wichita Center (Wichita, KS)
As we do to the least of these little ones, we are doing to Christ. Do we really want that on our conscience when we face our God?
Rev. John L. McCullough, President and CEO, Church World Service (New York, NY)
Our nation’s conscience has been repeatedly shocked by the images of horrific treatment of families and vulnerable individuals at our southern border. It is time for Congress to listen to the American people and demand that families seeking safety are treated with the dignity they deserve.
Sr. Simone Campbell, Executive Director, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice (Washington, DC)
Faith, justice, and patriotism demand that Congress stops federal agencies from abusing immigrant men, women, and children on our southern border. Congress can do this by limiting the use of federal funds and increasing oversight of the agencies involved. We call on the House and Senate to use the power of the purse to end the abuse once and for all.
Patrick Carolan, Executive Director Franciscan Action Network (Washington, DC)
We believe that a nation’s budget reflects its moral values. To increase funding for cruel immigration enforcement, rather than invest in humanitarian assistance programs and structural change, would send a message that this country places little value on human lives, especially the lives of vulnerable children and their suffering families.
Rev. Dr. Sharon Stanley-Rea, Director, Disciples Refugee & Immigration Ministries, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
For communities of faith who remember Jesus’ invitation to “Let the little children come unto me,” (Mt. 19:14), our souls must focus in this moment to urge that Congress take the best care we can of children seeking protection in our nation from grave tragedies that have caused them to flee their homelands.
Melissa Stek, Justice Mobilization Specialist, Office of Social Justice, Christian Reformed Church in North America (Grand Rapids, MI)
Exasperated and exhausted from their faithful humanitarian aid to asylum-seekers, one of our church partners in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico responded, “I hope Congress will do everything they can to process the migrants and relieve the pressure that is growing here in border cities like ours.” My prayer is that congressional funding for DHS will reflect this sentiment.
See this memo for expert sources and materials on what should and should not be funded, this backgrounder on cost-effective alternatives to detention, as well as this set of border policy recommendations from faith communities. Complete quotes from religious leaders are available here.
The Interfaith Immigration Coalition is made up of 52 national, faith-based organizations brought together across many theological traditions with a common call to seek just policies that lift up the God-given dignity of every individual. In partnership, we work to protect the rights, dignity, and safety of all refugees and migrants.
Follow us on Twitter @interfaithimm
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