IMMIGRANTS HELD HOSTAGE BY POLITICS

It is tragic that once again our immigrant brothers and sisters are being held hostage by purely political motives in Washington, DC.

The President and the leadership of the Democrats and Republicans share equally in the blame and for the total inaction in Congress.

For over 25 years we have been attempting update and fix our broken immigration system.  Many fine proposals have been made, good legislative efforts have been debated and discussed, and even a comprehensive immigration effort has been passed in the U.S. Senate.

But that's where everything grinds to a halt.

Our unauthorized immigrants are the ones suffering daily with this inaction.  Many millions live in fear that somewhere during the day they will be stopped and identified as being here without proper documents.  Their children, mostly USA citizens, fear the abrupt apprehension of their parents and their sudden deportation--leaving them all alone in our country without mother or father.

Now the political leaders in Washington acknowledge that nothing will happen during September or October.  Why?  Because of the national elections on November 4th.  One-third of the Senators and all of the House members are up for election, and winning re-election is their only focus and goal. 

The nation's business, and especially bringing justice, respect, and dignity to our immigrants, is all put on hold--once again.

But we, as disciples of Jesus, never give up.  We intensify our prayers, we voice our care and concern for our immigrant brothers and sisters, and we continue to advocate on their behalf.  Like the prophets of Old Testament times, our voices may seem weak and futile.  But they are not.  We remain fully committed to this work of justice, and we will never rest until the rights of all are secured.

May St. Toribio Romo intercede for us before our loving God!