National Migration Week is January 6

Idea exchange
January 2002

National Migration Week is January 6 - 12
The United States Catholic Conference of Bishops' Migration and Refugee Services (MRS) has designated the week of January 6 -12 as National Migration Week, a time of reflection and prayer for the plight of the stranger. Resources have been distributed to every parish and Catholic school across the country with ideas for prayer services and other events aimed specifically at adults, young adults, and children to promote tolerance, acceptance, and love among the diverse populations of American communities.

The week's events are paired with the U.S. Bishops' pastoral statement Welcoming the Stranger Among Us: Unity in Diversity, which was issued in 2000 but holds particular relevance since September 11th. Says Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio of Camden, New Jersey, who is chairman of the USCCB Committee on Migration, "Now, in the face of our new concern for security we are tempted to barricade ourselves against newcomers, many of whom are fleeing the same evils we seek protection from. As understandable as our fear and anxiety may be, we must not allow it to harden our hearts."

Marcia Timmel, coordinator of National Migration Week, says she hopes "this week will help people reflect on the immigrant roots of America and feel called to welcome the immigrant among us today."

MRS has issued a set of policy recommendations on anti-terrorism proposals, particularly pertaining to detention of non-citizens and due process rights for immigrants. The document lists policy requirements for the maintenance of the human dignity of immigrants in question, including evidentiary standards, clearer definitions of words like "terrorist," and judicial review for these difficult legal cases. It states, "The U.S. Catholic Bishops have previously lent support to legislation that would ensure due process for immigrants and have consistently questioned the indefinite detention of immigrants."

MRS also recommends reform of current laws on legalization of undocumented persons, the U.S. - Mexico border, and refugee resettlement.

For more information:
Migration and Refugee Services
Welcoming the Stranger Among Us: Unity in Diversity

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