Land of the Free-Children in Cages
The shocking stories and images from our southern border and immigrant detention centers across the United States portray an intolerable reality. The ongoing separation of families at the border and dangerous plight of unaccompanied children violate the Gospel message, the principles of our nation, and the mission of the Sisters of the Humility of Mary.
In the face of the existing inhumane conditions and the denial of basic human rights including: children held in cages, children torn from their parents, unsanitary conditions, lack of adequate medical care, and disregard for the rule of law for asylum seekers, we are called to act. The response of our government leaders to this humanitarian crisis is unconscionable. We call on each member of Congress to immediately act to meet the basic human needs of the children and their families–including physical and mental health care and a clean and safe environment.
These conditions compel us, the Sisters of the Humility of Mary, to join with others in using our resources to provide education, financial assistance and political advocacy to promote the rights of migrant children and asylum seekers, family unification, and the closing of unjust, inhumane detention centers. In this way we continue to reflect the founding values of our nation and witness to the United States being a beacon of hope.
