NETWORK Calls on President Trump and Congress to Live the Christian Call to Welcome the Stranger
For Immediate Release: January 25, 2017
Contact: Ashley Wilson, 202-601-7856
WASHINGTON, D.C. –In response to President Trump’s Executive Orders on immigration, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice Executive Director Sister Simone Campbell, SSS issued the following:
“Catholic teaching is very clear: we are called to welcome the stranger. We are also called to love our neighbor. President Trump’s actions today are antithetical to our faith.
“When Nuns on the Bus visited the U.S. /Mexico border in 2014, we walked along the wall and listened to the stories of communities that have been torn apart for decades. That is the reality experienced by border communities: the wall is there and it affects the daily life and commerce of the people. Federal appropriations for border security have grown to $3.8 billion in FY2015, from $263 million in FY1990, and fencing exists for hundreds of miles along our southern-border.
Be aware: any fear-mongering done by Trump administration officials is based on ‘alternative facts’ and simply not the reality of our nation.
“President Trump’s attacks on Sanctuary Cities are also falsely motivated by fear: studies have shown that Sanctuary Cities are in fact safer. His executive order, if not found unconstitutional, would dismantle a faith-based tradition that supports the dignity of all people.
“Donald Trump need not be afraid of immigrants, refugees, and children.
“Unafraid, the Catholic Sisters and community of NETWORK Lobby will continue to do all we can to welcome refugees and immigrants in accordance with our core faith belief to welcome the stranger. As we anticipate additional executive actions in the coming days, aimed at Muslims, refugees, and DACA-recipients, Catholics in Congress would do well to remember what Pope Francis said when he addressed Congress, “We, the people of this continent, are not fearful of foreigners, because most of us were once foreigners.” We call on Congress to do all they can to protect the vulnerable in our world, which include refugees, immigrants, and children.
“We also acknowledge that many people who will suffer as a result of President Trump’s actions are already our neighbors, positively contributing to our churches and our communities. While we wait for common-sense immigration reform that provides a pathway to citizenship for the undocumented immigrants currently in the U.S., we urge Congress to pass safeguards like the BRIDGE Act. The BRIDGE Act is just one of many safeguards our community needs in an unstable Donald Trump presidency. We must do all we can to show love to our neighbors.”
###
NETWORK, advocates for justice inspired by Catholic sisters, educates, organizes, and lobbies for economic and social transformation. They have a more than 40-year track record of lobbying for critical federal programs that support those at the margins and prioritize the common good. www.networklobby.org
Thank you for speaking the truth so eloquently. My heart is breaking since he was elected with a republican majority in the house and senate. I teach ESL to adult immigrants and refugees. They sre not just my students, they are my friends, my family.
Thank God for you, Sister. You are just what we need.
Right on!
We oppose all rulings on immigration that fosters fear and tears apart families
Fear mongering is not a legitimate policy.
Your analyses of present situations are always clarifying and powerful. Thank you for this service. because I always want to respond in an effective way.
Mr. Trump: I was a stranger and you did not take me in…. for shame…. we are all immigrants… we must care for the poor…. the statue of liberty stands for what????? please stop distating and bring humanity to the fullest by opening the bordera and facilitating immigrants, refugees, migrants. this IS our business thank you
God Bless you all and your work.