In spite of all the predictions of chaos, the end of Title 42 has not caused a disaster at the southern border. Migrants and asylum seekers have lined up in orderly fashion to be processed. Many of the people at the border are fleeing poverty and crime; others are fleeing political persecution; others, domestic violence.
Asylum law is complicated, delineating the reasons why persons can obtain protection. One must flee the homeland based on persecution, a complicated concept in itself, and based on certain reasons: race, religion, ethnicity, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group, such as being gay or transgender.
Obviously, what is needed is radical change in the home countries. When Kamala Harris visited Guatemala, she noted official anti-gay policy and murders of trans persons as a reason LGBT+ persons were fleeing that country. In some countries, corruption is the issue with police and gangs collaborating. We’ve supported corrupt regimes based on American economic interests. The influx at the border is the result.
Prayer for the Day
We know, O God of justice, what is required of us, yet we falter;
We know, O God of mercy, what we need to do, yet we hesitate;
We look at those fleeing poverty and despair and claim we are helpless,
But you tug at our sleeves and call us to respond in mercy.
Move us, O Holy Spirit, beyond the excuses we create:
So we may live faithfully according to your Gospel.
We ask this in the name of him who is your Gospel,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen
Thoughts for the Day
[Let] the poor the needy and oppressed of the Earth, and those who want Land, resort to the fertile lands of our western country, the second land of Promise, and there dwell in peace, fulfilling the first and great commandment.
- George Washington, President (1732-1799)
What has happened to us in this country? If we study our own history, we find that we have always been ready to receive the unfortunate from other countries, and though this may seem a generous gesture on our part, we have profited a thousand fold by what they have brought us.
- Eleanor Roosevelt, humanitarian (1884-1962)
The Lord watches over the foreigner; the Lord upholds the orphan and the widow,
But the way of the wicked shall be brought to ruin.
Psalm 146: 9