It’s an undeniable fact of a fallen world that people are threatened by sinful persons, groups, and situations. Here’s a bullet point list (points mine, list Pope Francis’) of what we can offer:
130. This implies taking certain indispensable steps, especially in response to those who are fleeing grave humanitarian crises. As examples, we may cite:
- increasing and simplifying the granting of visas;
- adopting programs of individual and community sponsorship;
- opening humanitarian corridors for the most vulnerable refugees;
- providing suitable and dignified housing;
- guaranteeing personal security and access to basic services;
- ensuring adequate consular assistance and the right to retain personal identity documents;
- equitable access to the justice system;
- the possibility of opening bank accounts and the guarantee of the minimum needed to survive;
- freedom of movement and the possibility of employment;
- protecting minors and ensuring their regular access to education;
- providing for programs of temporary guardianship or shelter;
- guaranteeing religious freedom;
- promoting integration into society;
- supporting the reuniting of families;
- and preparing local communities for the process of integration.[Cf. Message for the 2018 World Day of Migrants and Refugees(14 January 2018): AAS 109 (2017), 918-923]
Here in the US, we are uniquely prepared to offer most or all of these. Churches are quite willing–I’ve seen #2, #4 effectively addressed. Resources we do not lack nationally or in local communities. What is lacking? The will, and in some cases, the intelligence to see the value in these virtues.
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