Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Supreme Court Examines Biden’s Immigration Enforcement Policy

December 1, 2022

~ by Carol Zimmermann, Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON (CNS) – Supreme Court justices on November 29 examined a Biden administration policy that place the arrest and deportation of some unauthorized immigrants over others.
In oral arguments that lasted more than two hours, the court seemed divided over the challenge to the administration’s policy that put a priority on deporting immigrants who pose a threat to national security, public safety or border security.

The policy has been challenged by Texas and Louisiana officials who claim federal law does not provide the options for enforcing which immigrants can be singled out for deportation.

The case focused on a 2021 memo from Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas outlining priorities for the arrest, detention and deportation of immigrants.

In June, a Texas-based federal judge blocked this policy. The following month the Supreme Court in a 5-4 vote rejected the Biden’s administration’s request to restore the policy, but agreed to hear oral arguments about it. On November 29, several justices seemed ready to side with the two states arguing their legal right to challenge the administration’s policy.

A few of the justices repeatedly emphasized that federal immigration law says that some immigrants “shall” be taken into custody or deported, indicating that the administration didn’t have the option to pick and choose who they would focus on.
“Shall means shall,” Chief Justice John Roberts said. “Shouldn’t we just say what the law is?” he asked, but he also acknowledged the administration’s argument that Congress had not allocated necessary funds for the government to remove every noncitizen.

Kate Melloy Goettel, Director of Litigation for the American Immigration Council, said in a statement that this case gave the Supreme Court the “best opportunity in years to affirm the federal government’s well-established authority to set its own enforcement priorities and choose who it targets for deportation – and who it doesn’t.”

She also noted that the country’s immigration system “works better when federal officials decide when to prioritize immigration enforcement.”

“States like Texas have repeatedly sought to make our immigration system harsher and more inhumane by overturning federal immigration authority in a manner inconsistent with our immigration laws and years of court precedent,” she added.

She urged the court to “reject Texas’ ill-conceived argument that immigration laws impose affirmative obligations on ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) to carry out arrests against their considered judgment.”

A decision in United States v. Texas is expected next June.

Storytelling Stars

November 16, 2022

Cabrini Immigrant Services (CIS), Dobbs Ferry, NY, held a Family STARS (StoryTelling, Art, Reading and Socialization) program. The goals of the STARS program is to increase the children’s literacy and listening skills and also to instill a love of books and learning.

This was the first time that we offered the program for the family. Dr. Wendy Mages, a professor from Mercy College and a trained storyteller, told the story, Where Are You From by Yamile Saied Mendez. After the story, Dr. Mages, shared her family story and spoke about where her family was from and where they settled in the US. The families then shared their stories.

Prior to the program, the parents were asked to bring in pictures of family, etc. from their home country. After sharing their individual stories, the parents assisted their children in creating their Family Story books using the pictures. The parents and children worked together to paste the pictures in the book and to also write captions or list the names of the family members under the pictures. The children and parents then shared their books with the group.

In addition, everyone received a copy of the book Where Are You From. Our hope is that they will share both books with their family and friends. It was such a beautiful experience for all involved.

Cabrinian Organizations Continue the Mission of the Patroness of Immigrants

November 16, 2022

On November 13, 2022, the Church celebrated the Feast of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, Patron Saint of Immigrants, and at the end of her jubilee year in honor of the 75th anniversary of her canonization.

Two of the CLINIC’s (Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc.) affliliate organizations bear the name of Mother Cabrini: The St. Frances Cabrini Center for Immigrant Legal Assistance, which is part of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, Texas and Cabrini Immigrant Services in New York City.

Cabrini Immigrant Services of New York City or CIS-NYC, remains close to the mission of Mother Cabrini in its location: after a recent office move, it is now located right in the building of the Mother Cabrini Shrine in the Washington Heights neighborhood.

Ella Nimmo, Director of Community Programs and Development, said that this location has allowed them an even closer relationship with the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart, who founded CIS and several of whom still work at Cabrini Immigrant Services. Donations from pilgrims visiting the Shrine sometimes go toward supporting CIS-NYC, and sometimes immigrants who are visiting the Shrine will happen upon their office and request help. The Shrine staff often refer immigrants in need to visit CIS. CIS offers a wide variety of services for the immigrant community, from legal services to social support programs.

Beyond the outward connections to Mother Cabrini – its name, if founding by the Sisters, it location, Nimmo say CIS-NYC carries on the spirit of Mother Cabrini’s approach. “The Sisters often talk about Mother Cabrini having a sense of urgency about her, a ‘scrappy’ way of being,” Nimmo said. “If there was a need, Mother Cabrini was going to find a way to meet it. She would get things done. We try to take that approach, as well.” Nimmo said that CIS-NYC is always rising to the challenge of new developments facing immigrant communities in New York City. The biggest challenge for them lately has been finding a way to meet the needs of the thousands of migrants who have been bused to the city from Texas.

“We have helped at least 120 families from the buses so far,” said Nimmo. “It’s difficult because they are arriving with nothing – no contacts, no cell phones even, few job prospects, and often, no pathway to legal residency. We are having to be creative in how we help them and demonstrate support and solidarity.”

“The last few years have been really difficult, what with the pandemic and political changes,” Nimmo continued. “Now we have these migrant families arriving on buses from the border. Creating a supportive space for them amid these challenges is sometimes the most we can do. But we do all we can; we look for any source of support that we can provide, as we imagine that Mother Cabrini would have done.”

To read the complete article, please click here

Immigration Reform Needed: NOW!

November 16, 2022

The United States needs comprehensive immigration reform! The last time the United States significantly changed its method for awarding visas was in 1965, when Congress passed the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). This law changed the immigration system from one based on country-of-origin limits to one based on family reunification

A majority of Americans agree that Congress should pass bipartisan legislation to permanently protect Dreamers and TPS holders so these people can continue to live, work and contribute to the only country they have called their home.

With the DACA program so vulnerable in the courts, the risks to Dreamers and particularly DACA recipients could not be more urgent. We are urging you to help push Congress to pass a bill now to protect Dreamers and other people who are undocumented. If DACA is halted in court, an estimated 1,000 DACA recipients could lose their deferred action status and work permits each week, causing severe harm in the healthcare, education, food production and service industries, all of which are experiencing shortages. Getting any deal will unquestionably demand compromise, such as extreme border security measures. There is a chance reforms on recapturing lost visas, improved case processing, and the Farm Workforce Modernization Act might also be included if a deal comes together.

Midterm elections have taken place so, NOW, is the time for action!

CALL: Your Senators and ask them to reform and modernize our immigration system. If you do not know your Senator’s phone number, dial 202-224-3121 and a switchboard operator will help connect you directly to the correct office. Post on social media (Facebook, Twitter) asking your contacts to join in on the action!

Guadalupe Province Immigration Commission
Sr. Yolanda Flores, MSC
Sr. Pietrina Raccuglia, MSC
Sr. Roselle Santivasi, MSC

Sr. Lucille Souza, MSC

Karol Brewer

Welcome, Support, Accompany All Migrants

September 28, 2022

~ by Carol Glatz, Catholic News Service

Vatican City – Marking the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Pope Francis called on everyone to work together to build a more inclusive and fraternal future.

Migrants are to be welcomed, accompanied, supported and integrated, he said on September 25.

“Let us renew our commitment to building the future in accordance with God’s plan: a future in which every person may find his or her place and be respected; in which migrants, refugees, displaced persons and the victims of human trafficking may live in peace and with dignity,” he said.

“It is also thanks to those brothers and sisters that communities can grow on a social, economic, cultural and spiritual level; and the sharing of diverse traditions enriches the people of God,” he said. “Let us all work together to build a more inclusive and fraternal future.” To read the entire account, please click here

Texas Bishops Call for Immigration Reform following Migrant Tragedy

July 20, 2022

~ by Rhina Guidos, Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON (CNS) – The Texas Catholic bishops urged immigration reform, saying it is necessary to prevent what happened to 53 migrants discovered in a trailer on June 27 from happening again.

Reminding others to reflect on the incident, they focused on defending the sacredness of every life.

Cardinal DiNardo of Galveston-Houston recalled Pope Francis’ lament, the “throwaway culture” the pope warns against, which leads humanity to discard God’s creation, including people.

“This senseless loss of life should shock and sadden us as we are all brothers and sisters in Christ,” said Cardinal Di Nardo. “We cannot ignore those most vulnerable among us who at times become victims of this throwaway culture and only seek a better life for themselves and their families.”

He commended the souls of the men and women who died near San Antonio after being smuggled into the U.S. in the part of a semitrailer reserved for cargo, not people. They were traveling without air-conditioning or ventilation in temperatures that surpassed 100 degrees. It was not clear how long they had been inside the trailer.

Authorities said the man identified as the truck driver, Homero Zamorano, Jr., fled the scene, leaving the migrants, which included migrants, dead and dying. He has been apprehended and charged with alien smuggling resulting in death. Three others also have been arrested in connection with the incident.’’

“The exploitation of the poor and in particular of migrants who flee dramatic situations in search of opportunities and hope is particularly grave,” said Archbishop Garcia-Siller of San Antonio.

Bishop Olson of Fort Worth said “our nation’s past unwillingness to address immigration…has brough us to a grace moment of polarization and crisis that threatens the vulnerable.

“The light of our faith should prompt us to care and to address the causes of these injustices as Christians, as Americans and as men and women of goodwill,” he added

Exploitation of Poor and Migrants is Grave

July 7, 2022

A woman in El Paso, Texas, lights candles during a vigil July 5, 2022, to honor the 53 migrants who died in a cargo truck in San Antonio June 27. (CNS photo/Jose Luis Gonzalez, Reuters)

~ by Rhina Guidos for Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON (CNS) In a recent homily San Antonio Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller railed on smugglers as well as the injustices toward immigrants, referring to the June 27th deaths of 53 people in a sweltering cargo section of an abandoned semitruck near San Antonio as they were being smuggled into the U.S. He place blame on the “traders of death who consider lives as merchandise.”

But he also urged the “lay faithful to create the political incentives for our elected representatives to fulfill their duty to pass comprehensive immigration reform” and cut down on such incidents that take place because there are few viable paths to migrate safely and legally.

The archbishop, who has ministered to migrant workers, visited some of those who survived the deadly trek in the sweltering semitrailer without water or air to cool down as they traveled in temperatures that topped 100 degrees. It’s still unclear how long they were inside the trailer.

“Anyone who is not outraged is complicit at least to some degree,” said the archbishop, “they are God’s children. We grieve the loss of these immigrant brothers and sisters, because they were members of God’s family.”
To read the entire article, please click here

Prayers for Migrants in San Antonio

June 29, 2022

~ by the Catholic News Service

SAN ANTONIO (CNS) – The archbishop of San Antonio offered prayers for dozens of people found dead as well as more than a dozen survivors discovered June 27 in sweltering conditions in a semi-truck.

Authorities said on June 28 the death toll rose overnight to 50.

Onlookers stand near the scene where a semitrailer with multiple dead bodies was discovered, Monday, June 27, 2022, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

“We pray for the souls of the …people who died in such a cruel, inhumane manner this evening,” Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller said in a statement soon after first responders made the gruesome discovery about 6 p.m. local time.

Authorities said the victims were migrants. They said the truck appeared to be part of a smuggling operation.

Roberto Velasco Alvarez, head of the Mexican government’s North American mission, said on Twitter that 22 of the victims were Mexican nationals, seven were originally from Guatemala and two were Honduran. The nationality of 19 others has not been determined.

Officials believe the tragedy is the deadliest smuggling incident of its kind in U.S. history.

Archbishop Garcia-Siller also asked for payers for the survivors – 12 adults and four children – who were hospitalized, their families and “the first responders who assisted and saved lives and must now carry with them the memories of this scene.”

News of the deaths reached Pope Francis, who tweeted June 28th that he was offering prayers for those who died in Texas as well as at least 23 sub-Saharan migrants who died June 24 while attempting to flee Morocco by scaling a border fence to cross into the Spanish enclave of Melilla in north Africa on the Mediterranean coast.

“Let us #PrayTogether for these brothers and sisters who died following their hope of a better life; and for ourselves, may that the Lord might open our heats so these misfortunes never happen again,” the Pope’s tweet said.

Smuggling operations working within the United States have been known to pack migrants into trucks or cargo trailers after they have already crossed the border in an attempt to sneak them past U.S. Border Patrol highway checkpoints. To read the entire article please click here

Hemispheric Summit Ends with Immigration Deal Among Countries

June 16, 2022

~ by Rhina Guidos, Catholic News Service

WASHINGTON (CNS) – Twenty countries from the Americas, including the United States, signed a declaration on June 10, the last day of the troubled Summit of the Americas, committing to help and protect “all migrants, refugees, asylum-seekers, and stateless persons, regardless of their migratory status.”

The statement released by the White House and signed by the heads of state of Mexico and several countries in Central and South America sad that “migration should be a voluntary, informed choice and not a necessity,” and it makes the task of aiding migrants and refugees a shared responsibility among many nations.

The effort asks that countries such as Costa Rica and Ecuador, with proximity to nations such as Cuba and Venezuela, take in and protect more refugees from those neighboring nations instead of having them make longer and more dangerous trips north to the U.S.

The U.S. in turn would seek funding for those countries to help refugees enter legally, to provide social services as well as “integration programs” so they can stay there, saying such a move “would benefit host communities that have generously opened their doors to the most vulnerable.”

Canada agreed to welcome more refugees by 2028, including those from French-speaking nations such as Haiti. Along with the United States, Canada also agreed to welcome more agricultural workers, saying it would aim for temporary programs for foreign workers.

Mexico said it would integrate 20,000 “recognized refugees into the Mexican labor market over the next three years.”

But some wondered how the agreement would work given that a lot of migrants want to head north to the U.S., but also wondered whether other nations would keep their end of the bargain.

A day after the declaration, the Mexican National Institute of Migration announced it had disbanded a large group of 6,000 to 7,000 migrants headed toward the U.S.-Mexico border wanting to call attention to those who had gathered for the summit.

Some migrants told reporters that they were dissuaded by Mexican authorities from continuing their journey and felt they were being encouraged to return to their home countries. The Associated Pres reported on June 11 that the Mexican immigration agency had issued documents to stay in Mexico for up to 7,000, valid for one month, at which time migrants could apply for more permanent stay in the country or return home.

The United Nation refugee agency said June 10 that it welcomed the agreement known as the Los Angeles Declaration.

The immigration deal sprinkled one of the few positive notes at the gathering, publicly boycotted by Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who reproached the U.S. for leaving out the leaders of Venezuela, Cuba and Nicaragua from the hemispheric gathering.

The heads of state of Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, three countries who have high migration rates to the U.S. were among those who declined to attend by signed the agreement.

To read the entire article please click here

Accompanying Migrants at the Border Enriches Our Spiritual Lives

June 1, 2022

~ by Pauline Hovey, National Catholic Reporter

Fr. Tom Greene, the head of the Jesuits’ U.S. Central and Southern province, has come to Sacred Heart as his last stop on a yearlong Ignatian pilgrimage to visit parishes across his territory.

Greene is clearly humbled as he considers the impact of his past work as an attorney handling asylum cases in Chicago, practicing immigration law with unaccompanied minors and offering legal counseling at detention centers.

Whenever I’ve questioned anyone who’s accompanied migrants and asylum seekers about the impact, they turn pensive, sometimes, emotional, as they consider their experiences and attempt to find words.

“It was deeply spiritual and evangelical work,” he finally says, “but I have to say that I was the one being evangelized much of the time.”

Steeped in the Ignatian spirituality of finding God in all things, Greene acknowledges that migrant youth taught him what it means to profess one’s faith by how they saw God in their perilous and uncertain journeys. Their immense faith and hope made him question how he could not have hope in his own life, no matter the circumstances.

“The ultimate goal in the Christian life is to see the world from the eyes of Christ, and to have his response,” Greene said. “So, to see these people beaten, abandoned, raped, extorted, called criminals, how could you not try and help them?”

Yet, Greene says that he was drawn to this ministry because it has helped him so much in his faith. “ I was trying to be Christ for them and yet they were Christ for me” he says, acknowledging that may sound selfish.

I smile in recognition. I’ve heard this so many times, from so many volunteers, I know it’s not a glib comment. From migrant shelters, to courtrooms, from the El Paso airport to the detention center, local volunteers have walked alongside and understood firsthand how Christ is present in the face of the migrant and refugee. To read the complete article, please click here