Immigration and its relation to the economy has become a major issue in this election season. Border crossings are down – significantly, at least from certain countries in our hemisphere. A special parole program for four countries, Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela admitted 30,000 per country for a period of two years.
Although the program continues, those previously admitted need to return unless they have secured other ways to stay under immigration law. Cubans, still covered under the 1966 Cuban Adjustment Act, can apply for residence; they are vetted and checked. In fact, all those paroled are vetted and checked. No criminals here.
A Washington Post study shows that as Central American and Mexican entries have dropped, there is more variety in those seeing entry. Many are seeking refuge from political and/or other persecution and will need to make their case in Immigration Court, not an easy task, in fact, really difficult. Our grandparents or great-grandparents didn’t face these problems when they came to build this country, a Nation of Immigrants.
Prayer for the Day
Holy Accompanier of the exile,
You offer us a new life through your promise of freedom;
Holy Uplifter of the downtrodden,
You teach us to stand our ground and speak our voice;
Holy Guide of wisdom and understanding,
You grant us your grace to love in the face of hate.
May we live as did the One who extended his hand to all,
Even Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
God is not threatened by differences. It is us who are.
Richard Rohr, American Franciscan priest, writer
The greatest nations are defined by how they treat their weakest inhabitants.
Jorge Ramos, newscaster
No one leaves home unless home is the mouth of a shark
Warsan Shire, British Somali poet
Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing so some have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.
Letter to the Hebrews 13: 2