This is National Migration Week 2015, as declared by the U.S. Council of Catholic Bishops. The celebration of National Migration Week from January 4–10, 2015 provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the hardships faced by migrants, including children, refugees and victims of human trafficking.
“There is no such thing as an illegal human being,” said Bishop Eusebio Elizondo, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Committee on Migration.
The theme of this year’s National Migrant Week is “We Are One Family Under God.” Bishop Elizondo explained the theme in these words:
“Migrants — including children, immigrants, refugees, and victims of human trafficking — are our spiritual brothers and sisters. They often find themselves isolated, alone and separated from family, their ability to live out their lives in fullness severely restricted. Often family members are separated from one another because of deportation, detention, or related immigration laws that inhibit family reunification.”
We at the Hope CommUnity Center are privileged to welcome and include immigrants as a vital and valued members of our Hope family. May this observance of National Migration Week encourage you to learn more about the issues facing immigrants. You can find abundant resources at the website of the USCCB’s “Justice for Immigrants” campaign.
