AP Photo/Eric Gay
A PUBLIC CALL TO ACTION ABOUT UNACCOMPANIED CHILDREN AND IMMIGRATION REFORM
Syracuse.com – August 22, 2014
Intense local and national debates have surrounded the arrival of unaccompanied children fleeing violence and oppression in Central America to seek safe haven in the United States. Children do not normally leave their homeland without their parents to enter a new country with an uncertain welcome. They come because the situation in their homeland is untenable. In some cases, they are coming because their parent is already here, having crossed the border to find safety and work. In other cases, they come because of their unwillingness to be recruited into gangs, akin to their becoming child soldiers, or because their families are at risk from these gangs. The political situations in Mexico, El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala are varied, and the difficulties these children face are equally varied.
Approximately 57,000 children are under custody of the Office of Refugee Resettlement waiting processing. It was reported on Monday that no temporary shelter will be created in Syracuse for these children. However, we are disturbed by the response of some members of our community who spoke vehemently in public against a welcome to these children. Should the federal government decide to reopen this decision, the faith communities and human service agencies will work together to help these children.
We commend Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner as well as Bishops Gladstone Adams and Robert Cunningham for their past statements of support in welcoming these children. Alliance of Communities Transforming Syracuse also issued a statement of support.
Over the last few weeks, English- and Spanish-speaking community members, attorneys and teachers have contacted InterFaith Works to help with asylum, tutoring and support in reconnecting children to families. We are dedicated to the development of a community dialogue to help create a more hospitable environment that reflects our many faiths’ moral values. Members of the university community offered a student volunteer recruitment campaign, seeking interpreters and those who would have stayed nights at the children’s facility. Faith communities and individuals offered money, clothing and blankets. Many said, “If the children come, I want to help!”
Throughout our various traditions, there are common threads that bind us and call us to action:
Welcome and care for all children as if they were our own and provide for their physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Make no distinction between children who were born in this country and those who were not. Increase efforts to provide all children with the resources they need to grow and learn in safety.
“And when did we see thee a stranger and welcome thee, or naked and clothe thee? And when did we see thee sick or in prison and visit thee? …Truly I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.’” (The Holy Bible, Matthew 25: 38-40)
Cast aside fear of those we do not know and advocate for immediate federal action that will address the need for compassionate, comprehensive and just immigration reform.
“Let them at all times concern themselves with doing a kindly thing for one of their fellows, offering to someone love, consideration, thoughtful help. Let them see no one as their enemy, or as wishing them ill, but think of all humankind as their friends; regarding the alien as an intimate, the stranger as a companion, staying free of prejudice, drawing no lines.” (Selections from the Writings of Abdu’l-Bahá, 1)
Alleviate suffering and promote reunification of unaccompanied children with their family members where possible. Investigate the feasibility of establishing regional and state task forces to assist the U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement in identifying relatives and reuniting families.
“May all beings, equal to the sky, have happiness and the causes of happiness; may all beings be free from suffering and the causes of suffering; may all beings never be separated from the great happiness, which is beyond all suffering; may all beings dwell in kindness, free from desire and hatred for those near and far.” (Motivation I, The Healing Buddha, translated by Lama Zopa Rinpoche)
Build bridges of understanding and establish a community dialogue that will help us comprehend the issues surrounding immigration.
“When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not taunt him. The stranger who sojourns with you shall be as a native from among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.” (The Torah, Leviticus 19: 33-34)
Make contributions of our time, talent and funds to organizations that will care for all our community’s children’s basic needs, including food, shelter, clothing, medical care and legal fees. Even though children may not come to Syracuse, InterFaith Works has created a fund for unaccompanied children that will be sent where the funds are most needed. Donations may be sent to IFW, 3049 E. Genesee St., Syracuse, NY 13224 with “Unaccompanied Children” on the memo line or made online at interfaithworkscny.org.
“Do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbors who are near, neighbors who are strangers, the companion by your side, the wayfarer you meet.” (The Qur’an, Surah An-Nisaa 4:36)
Therefore, the Round Table and Board of InterFaith Works affirm that we as a community compassionately address the needs of all of our children, no matter their country of origin, ethnicity or citizenship status. Please stand with us.
Beth A. Broadway
President/CEO, InterFaith Works of CNY
Camille Tisdel
Chair, Board of Directors, InterFaith Works of CNY
Rabbi Daniel Fellman
Convener, Round Table of Faith Leaders, InterFaith Works of CNY
Also signed by 80 additional faith and community leaders:
Click here for the Board of Directors page
CClick here for the Round Table of Faith Leaders list page
Click here for the Faith Partners list page