As we look at this morning’s news, we see the images of cargo planes full of Afghan refugees and Americans. We know where the Americans are going, but where are the Afghans going? Yesterday I saw a breakdown of the destinations of Afghan refugees in 2020. Not surprisingly, Pakistan had the most, a little over 1.4 million.
Countries with far fewer people than the United States took in many more. In fact, we were number 22 of the 25 top countries. Even Denmark, Finland, and Norway took in more than twice our number each; and those are countries with between 5 and 6 million, And they didn’t even start the mess we now have.
Our immigration lawyers association is scrambling to help Afghans apply for a status called humanitarian parole, a status which allows the government to more fully vet the refugees here in the U.S. We’re looking for help in funding immigration fees; our work will all be pro bono, free, for the public good. It’s the least we can do.
Prayer for the Day
We look for you, O Lord, and we search for your word,
But you are found where we least expect it;
Present in the faces of refugees seeking protection
They cry to us to answer your call for kindness and mercy.
Grant, O Holy One, that we remember who had to flee into Egypt
With the face of evil pursuing him.
In the name of the One who was himself a refugee,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Recognize yourself in he and she who are not like you and me.
Carlos Fuentes, Mexican writer (12928-2012)
no one leaves home unless home is the mouth of a shark
you only run for the border when you see the whole city running as well
Warsan Shire, Somali British poet
I cry to you, O Lord; I say, “you are my portion in the land of the living.”
Give heed to my cry for I a brought very low.
Save me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me.
Bring me out of prison so that I may give thanks to your name.
Psalm 142: 5-7