Refugees — people who have fled their home countries due to conflict, violence, persecution or human rights violations — now number upward of 43 million globally, according to the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in its latest Global Trends report.
They are not able to return to their countries and are awaiting permanent resettlement in a third country.
Historically, the U.S. admitted some 90,000 refugees each year who were then resettled by nongovernmental organizations, or NGOs, including agencies of the Catholic Church. These refugees are carefully vetted by the State Department before being cleared for resettlement in the U.S. However, the present administration has “paused” such resettlements.
A nation of refugees
We might see refugees as “outsiders,” strangers, not “one of us.” But our nation is made up of such people — from the Pilgrims who landed at Plymouth Rock to the Vietnamese, Haitians and Cubans of more recent years. These people are strangers no longer but fellow citizens because America knew how to embrace them and gave them a place to belong and to grow: “E pluribus unum” (“out of many one”).
Yet, today, refugees escaping religious or political persecution are left in harm’s way. Many are waiting to be reunited with their families already in the U.S.
As Catholics we defend the right to life of the unborn child. But we also defend the life and dignity of every person — and vulnerable refugees fleeing persecution, human trafficking or torture have a special claim on our consciences. For we are the spiritual descendants of the ancient Israelites who themselves knew what it was to be “outsiders” yearning to belong.
The stridency and polarization of politics in America today can be discouraging. Twenty-four hour cable “news” cycles have made “politics” another form of entertainment, as “real” as professional wrestling. Nevertheless, all of us are called to become informed, active and responsible participants in the political process — and to do so by bringing together, coherently and consistently, our faith, our moral convictions and our responsibilities in the public square.
Shining a light
It is disappointing that our country, which has had a long history of providing “safe harbor” to refugees and asylum-seekers, has effectively closed the door to refugee admissions.
Each year, the United Nations and people worldwide recognize the plight of refugees on June 20, World Refugee Day. This day shines a light on the rights, needs and dreams of refugees, helping to mobilize political will and resources so refugees can not only survive but thrive.
While it is important to protect and improve the lives of refugees every single day, international days like World Refugee Day help to focus global attention on the plight of those fleeing conflict or persecution. Together, we can champion their right to seek safety, build support for their economic and social inclusion, and advocate for solutions to their plight.
Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski leads the Archdiocese of Miami.
