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Showing posts with label aliens. Show all posts
Showing posts with label aliens. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 08, 2011
Monday, December 07, 2009
Screening children for Santa?
Last week we received word from Houston, Texas that some charitable organizations would screen out the children of undocumented residents of the city when it comes time to distribute toys and other Christmas gifts. You can read the original report published by The Houston Chronicle ( "Some toy drives check immigration status," Nov. 30, 2009, by Jeannie Kever) here.
The original story reported that the Salvation Army and a toy drive associated with the city's fire department would be requiring various forms of identificaiton, including social sercurity cards, birth certificates and proof of income, to qualify families and children to receive toys and Christmas gifts this year. The report set off reaction from groups working with immigrants in the city.
On last Thursday, the paper published a follow up story that reported the decision by the Salvation Army not to require social security cards.
“It was never our intention to offend anyone with our registration requirement to provide a Social Security number, or to give the impression that we were discriminating against those individuals and families who do not have a Social Security number,” Major Chris Flanagan, Area Commander for The Salvation Army Greater Houston Area Command said in a statement.
To read the entire report click here.
My reading of the stories lead me to believe that the original intention was to eliminate the children of "illegal" immigrants from the Christmas gift program. Thankfully, the organizations involved reconsidered the hurtful policy. As usual when a community rises up and cries out, things change for the better.
Still, the enire affair points up once again the intense hatred and the unapologetic discrimination lurking just beneath the surface of many of our communities that can be so quickly directed toward our immigrant neighbors. Reading the reports and considering the attitudes that informed these policy decisions in the first place, I'm wondering if our faith communities and their leaders don't need to do some work with us on just how God regards the "aliens" and the "strangers" among us.
Clearly, we need to remember and reconsider the clarity of our faith traditon regarding residents from other places, regardless of how they made their way to us. I'm thinking of words like these:
"Do not mistreat an alien or oppress him, for you were aliens in Egypt." Exodus 22:21
"Do not oppress an alien; you yourselves know how it feels to be aliens, because you were aliens in Egypt." Exodus 23:9
"The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born. Love him as yourself, for you were aliens in Egypt. I am the LORD your God." Leviticus 19:34
"And you are to love those who are aliens, for you yourselves were aliens in Egypt." Deuteronomy 10:19
"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in. . . ." Matthew 25:35
In view of the clarity of our faith traditions, I'd say we need to reflect clearly and carefully on our attitudes and our actions. Maybe it's just me, but this seems especially true during the Advent waiting as we consider the arrival of the Child who, himself an immigrant in more ways than one, comes to set us free.
[This post also appeared on the Sojourners blog here.]
The original story reported that the Salvation Army and a toy drive associated with the city's fire department would be requiring various forms of identificaiton, including social sercurity cards, birth certificates and proof of income, to qualify families and children to receive toys and Christmas gifts this year. The report set off reaction from groups working with immigrants in the city.
On last Thursday, the paper published a follow up story that reported the decision by the Salvation Army not to require social security cards.
“It was never our intention to offend anyone with our registration requirement to provide a Social Security number, or to give the impression that we were discriminating against those individuals and families who do not have a Social Security number,” Major Chris Flanagan, Area Commander for The Salvation Army Greater Houston Area Command said in a statement.
To read the entire report click here.
My reading of the stories lead me to believe that the original intention was to eliminate the children of "illegal" immigrants from the Christmas gift program. Thankfully, the organizations involved reconsidered the hurtful policy. As usual when a community rises up and cries out, things change for the better.
Still, the enire affair points up once again the intense hatred and the unapologetic discrimination lurking just beneath the surface of many of our communities that can be so quickly directed toward our immigrant neighbors. Reading the reports and considering the attitudes that informed these policy decisions in the first place, I'm wondering if our faith communities and their leaders don't need to do some work with us on just how God regards the "aliens" and the "strangers" among us.
Clearly, we need to remember and reconsider the clarity of our faith traditon regarding residents from other places, regardless of how they made their way to us. I'm thinking of words like these:
"Do not mistreat an alien or oppress him, for you were aliens in Egypt." Exodus 22:21
"Do not oppress an alien; you yourselves know how it feels to be aliens, because you were aliens in Egypt." Exodus 23:9
"The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born. Love him as yourself, for you were aliens in Egypt. I am the LORD your God." Leviticus 19:34
"And you are to love those who are aliens, for you yourselves were aliens in Egypt." Deuteronomy 10:19
"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in. . . ." Matthew 25:35
In view of the clarity of our faith traditions, I'd say we need to reflect clearly and carefully on our attitudes and our actions. Maybe it's just me, but this seems especially true during the Advent waiting as we consider the arrival of the Child who, himself an immigrant in more ways than one, comes to set us free.
[This post also appeared on the Sojourners blog here.]
Monday, July 14, 2008
Update on Monica and friends
Monday, July 7, The Dallas Morning News published a story about the action of U. S. Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson's private bill filed on behalf of three of the students we have been supporting in U. S. Immigration Court here in Dallas.
To read the story click the title line above.
To read more on the background of our involvement, use the "search tool" on my blog page by typing in "Monica."
We are grateful for our Congresswoman! We need comprehensive reform and we need the D.R.E.A.M. Act and we need both now.
To read the story click the title line above.
To read more on the background of our involvement, use the "search tool" on my blog page by typing in "Monica."
We are grateful for our Congresswoman! We need comprehensive reform and we need the D.R.E.A.M. Act and we need both now.
.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
"Undocumented"--the trailer
A new film about to break on the scene likely will be a "must-see." The documentary made by a group of young Americans began as a quest to understand the changing demographics of the United States.
The filmmakers started out with one set of assumptions and, while giving due regard for contrary opinions along the way, ended up in a completely different place. Their shift seems to be because they really got to know the subjects of their study as people.
Funny how that choice and commitment usually changes preconceived notions, isn't it? Getting to know people as people--that is the essence of community formation.
Check out the trailer. Then, tell me what you think. Wanna see the film?
Here's the link: http://www.vimeo.com/1126156.
.
The filmmakers started out with one set of assumptions and, while giving due regard for contrary opinions along the way, ended up in a completely different place. Their shift seems to be because they really got to know the subjects of their study as people.
Funny how that choice and commitment usually changes preconceived notions, isn't it? Getting to know people as people--that is the essence of community formation.
Check out the trailer. Then, tell me what you think. Wanna see the film?
Here's the link: http://www.vimeo.com/1126156.
.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Immigration Court on Monday. . .
Sitting in federal immigration court here in Dallas provides insights into the current national struggle for reform, as well as the heritage we enjoy as a people. While often enraged by the manner in which our current policy is working against so many great people who desire to be part of our national life, I am moved by the personal stories that unfold in the courtroom.
Monica's hearing Monday was set last on the docket, so we heard every other case before lunch. I took some notes as I listened.
One man from Mexico received "voluntary deportation," which means he has to be out of the country in 120 days, the maximum delay the court can award. In determining the length of his "grace period," the judge asked him how much time he needed to leave. His answer revealed that he would need to sell his home before leaving. The man, in his mid-thirties, was obviously a very hard working provider for his family, who were also present in the courtroom.
Obviously, I don't know his story. But if first impressions mean anything, he impressed me as the sort of gentleman I'd love to have for a next door neighbor. He paid property taxes. He worked hard. He was an asset to our community. But he must leave.
Then, there was the woman from El Salvador who had applied for asylum under the immigration statute. She had no attorney because she could not afford the fee required by the lawyers she consulted and Catholic Charities was receiving no new clients. With her was her precious baby girl. She appeared to be about 9 or 10 months old. The judge seemed perplexed by her situation and didn't know what do advise regarding counsel.
Liz, Monica's attorney, signaled the judge and he asked the woman to step outside for a moment with Liz to discuss her case. It seemed a very unusual and compassionate move by the judge. I joined them outside the courtroom to offer our support. Liz calmly laid out a strategy for helping her out. Liz, a Catholic Charities probono attorney, will represent her and Central Dallas Ministries will be there as well going forward. When we returned to the court and her case continued it was very clear that the judge appreciated Liz's responsiveness.
When things were complete, the judge invited the woman to bring her baby up to the bench. The judge took the child in his arms and played with her and encouraged the mother. I later learned that the judge is expecting his first grandchild, a little boy.
Returning to the courtroom, we heard the end of the case of an 11-year-old boy. He had evidently been picked up at the border when fleeing from El Salvador and placed under the supervision of the court. The judge reviewed his report card and directed him to return to court in early summer. Who knows what his status will be at that time.
Another man appeared before the court without representation. He could not afford an attorney. He accepted voluntary deportation in four months. As his hearing concluded, it was clear that his main concern was to recover the bond his father-in-law had put up when he was detained. He seemed to care more about that obligation than his own future. Listening to him was very sad to me.
During the proceedings, others were deported or received voluntary departure status. Each story was compelling.
One aspect shared in common by all who were in the court to appear before the bar of the U. S. Department of Justice seemed to be economics. Almost all were poor or very poor. Many had no representation before the court. All were working people.
I don't think anyone, no matter what their ideology or politics, could sit in this courtroom and not be touched by the dilemmas facing good people who are here for many different reasons, all of which tie back to the essence of the dream our nation holds up to the whole world.
They want to be here.
Who can blame them?
.
Monica's hearing Monday was set last on the docket, so we heard every other case before lunch. I took some notes as I listened.
One man from Mexico received "voluntary deportation," which means he has to be out of the country in 120 days, the maximum delay the court can award. In determining the length of his "grace period," the judge asked him how much time he needed to leave. His answer revealed that he would need to sell his home before leaving. The man, in his mid-thirties, was obviously a very hard working provider for his family, who were also present in the courtroom.
Obviously, I don't know his story. But if first impressions mean anything, he impressed me as the sort of gentleman I'd love to have for a next door neighbor. He paid property taxes. He worked hard. He was an asset to our community. But he must leave.
Then, there was the woman from El Salvador who had applied for asylum under the immigration statute. She had no attorney because she could not afford the fee required by the lawyers she consulted and Catholic Charities was receiving no new clients. With her was her precious baby girl. She appeared to be about 9 or 10 months old. The judge seemed perplexed by her situation and didn't know what do advise regarding counsel.
Liz, Monica's attorney, signaled the judge and he asked the woman to step outside for a moment with Liz to discuss her case. It seemed a very unusual and compassionate move by the judge. I joined them outside the courtroom to offer our support. Liz calmly laid out a strategy for helping her out. Liz, a Catholic Charities probono attorney, will represent her and Central Dallas Ministries will be there as well going forward. When we returned to the court and her case continued it was very clear that the judge appreciated Liz's responsiveness.
When things were complete, the judge invited the woman to bring her baby up to the bench. The judge took the child in his arms and played with her and encouraged the mother. I later learned that the judge is expecting his first grandchild, a little boy.
Returning to the courtroom, we heard the end of the case of an 11-year-old boy. He had evidently been picked up at the border when fleeing from El Salvador and placed under the supervision of the court. The judge reviewed his report card and directed him to return to court in early summer. Who knows what his status will be at that time.
Another man appeared before the court without representation. He could not afford an attorney. He accepted voluntary deportation in four months. As his hearing concluded, it was clear that his main concern was to recover the bond his father-in-law had put up when he was detained. He seemed to care more about that obligation than his own future. Listening to him was very sad to me.
During the proceedings, others were deported or received voluntary departure status. Each story was compelling.
One aspect shared in common by all who were in the court to appear before the bar of the U. S. Department of Justice seemed to be economics. Almost all were poor or very poor. Many had no representation before the court. All were working people.
I don't think anyone, no matter what their ideology or politics, could sit in this courtroom and not be touched by the dilemmas facing good people who are here for many different reasons, all of which tie back to the essence of the dream our nation holds up to the whole world.
They want to be here.
Who can blame them?
.
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Jesse and Immigration Court
So, I met another wonderful teenager while I was in immigration court with Monica last week.
Jesse.
Graduated from Sunset High School in Dallas.
A very good young man.
High, high "moral character." Never in trouble of any kind.
Wonderful work ethic.
Great grades. Received an offer for a scholarship, but because he did not have a Social Security number, he didn't take the free ride to school, even though he wanted to.
"Since I don't have a Social Security number, I didn't think a degree would do me any good," he told me by phone when we talked later last week. "Why worry about college if I can't get a good job when I am done?"
Good thinking, Jesse.
So, the nation needs smart, bi-lingual laborers in every industry. So much so that we are recruiting in a number of Central and South American countries. But, in our brilliance, we are going to toss out kids who grew up here from the time they were babies and go recruit people we don't even know and in whom we have not invested a dime.
How utterly stupid!
Go ahead, Wyatt (that's my grandson). Put me in "time out."
Stupid.
Stupid.
Stupid.
We've found another great friend in this young man, and we will stick with him.
We are going to keep working to change the law that says he must go back to a nation he does not even know, one that he has never known. A very bad law that attempts to punish a very good young man.
Come meet Jesse and then, try to walk away from him.
I dare you!
Jesse.
Graduated from Sunset High School in Dallas.
A very good young man.
High, high "moral character." Never in trouble of any kind.
Wonderful work ethic.
Great grades. Received an offer for a scholarship, but because he did not have a Social Security number, he didn't take the free ride to school, even though he wanted to.
"Since I don't have a Social Security number, I didn't think a degree would do me any good," he told me by phone when we talked later last week. "Why worry about college if I can't get a good job when I am done?"
Good thinking, Jesse.
So, the nation needs smart, bi-lingual laborers in every industry. So much so that we are recruiting in a number of Central and South American countries. But, in our brilliance, we are going to toss out kids who grew up here from the time they were babies and go recruit people we don't even know and in whom we have not invested a dime.
How utterly stupid!
Go ahead, Wyatt (that's my grandson). Put me in "time out."
Stupid.
Stupid.
Stupid.
We've found another great friend in this young man, and we will stick with him.
We are going to keep working to change the law that says he must go back to a nation he does not even know, one that he has never known. A very bad law that attempts to punish a very good young man.
Come meet Jesse and then, try to walk away from him.
I dare you!
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