Members of the Viatorian Provincial Council joined with other faith leaders in signing a letter to Congress written by the Leadership Council of Women Religious. The letter opposed the Emergency National Security Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2024 that will further restrict access to asylum, arbitrarily close the border, and turn away families and individuals seeking safety and refuge in the U.S.
“It is imperative that we uphold our moral duty to welcome the stranger, extend compassion to those in need, and treat individuals with dignity and respect,” the letter stated.
“Passing this legislation risks separating families, returning asylum seekers to the very harm they fled in violation of non-refoulement, and increasing the chances that migrants, including women and children, are subject to exploitation, severe violence, and even death in countries of transit and return,” the letter continues. “Asylum seekers already navigate complex procedures and articulate fear claims after traumatic experiences, with little to no legal assistance. Making this process harder will result in the deportation of many with legitimate asylum claims.”
Read the full contents of the letter, here