Today’s Topic: Refugees & Immigration, Part I

People migrate to a new country as a refugee, asylum-seeker, or immigrant. Refugees and asylum-seekers are typically people who are forced to flee their homes, whereas immigrants mostly move by choice.

 Option #1:  Read and reflect:

immigration_web.jpg

  • There are currently 79.5 million forcibly displaced people worldwide

  •  Less than 1% will have the chance to start a new life through resettlement.

  • The world-wide average stay in a refugee camp is currently 17 years

            (United Way 21 Day Equity Challenge-Day 9)

Refugees are ordinary people like you and me, who have lost everything. They’ve left their entire lives behind, often with just the clothes on their backs. They leave  to start over. They want to make sure their kids can be educated. They want to work and they want to contribute to our communities. Just like us, they seek a life of dignity, freedom, and security.

Have you thought about the actual people, not just statistics or headlines, who make the decision to leave their homes? What are your thoughts?

Imagine yourself in that position. What would be most helpful for you or your family to recieve?

 

Option #2:   Read & reflect: The United States was built, in part, by immigrants—and our nation has long been the beneficiary of the new energy & ingenuity that immigrants bring.

· 14 percent of US is foreign-born, more than 50% of those are naturalized citizens.

· Over half of all immigrants in the United States are naturalized citizens.

· Immigrants in the United States contribute billions of dollars in taxes.

· As consumers, immigrants add over a trillion dollars to the U.S. economy.

· Immigrant entrepreneurs generate tens of billions of dollars in business revenue each year   (American Immigration Council).

 

Do you know anyone who was born in another country? 

What was their experience of coming to the US?

Families:  When people come to a new country they bring their traditions with them. Are you aware of any traditions in our faith from other cultures?

Here are some Catholic traditions to explore:

Do we always recognize the diversity of God’s family? Why or why not?             

What are some examples of different ways to celebrate that diversity? 

 Catholic Traditions around the world: (this list is NOT exhaustive). Pick one or two from the list below and explore our wonderfully rich & varied Catholic culture from around the world. Immigrants and refugees bring their traditions with them. Some of these you are likely familiar with (manger sets!) while others might be new to you):

 Additional Resources:

Immigration and the Catholic Church by USCCB (video)

Pope Francis tells a refugee’s story by Catholic News Service (video)

The Catholic Church’s position on Immigration Reform by USCCB