The Sisters of Mercy of the Americas view with concern the onslaught of U.S. policies that go against our core beliefs to choose love and mercy over fear. Fear and anxiety engulfs the United States, fueled by the administration’s actions, rhetoric and policies that directly threaten the dignity and lives of countless individuals across our nation and the world.
Millions in the United States live in constant fear of deportation. Immigrants are afraid to shop for basic necessities or seek medical care for fear of being whisked away by immigration enforcement. Children are missing school, living with a sense of panic that they will return home to an empty house because their parent or parents have been detained. Jocelynn Rojo Carranza, an 11-year-old girl in Texas, took her own life after she was bullied about her family’s immigration status.
The harsh current deportation policies cause deep human suffering. This merciless spectacle stands in direct opposition to Jesus’ call to love our neighbors. No country has the right to bully and intimidate any human being.
This does not preclude measures that truly seek to protect society from criminals and keep everyone safer. In his recent missive to U.S Catholic bishops, Pope Francis wrote, “The true common good … welcomes, protects, promotes and integrates the most fragile, unprotected and vulnerable. This does not impede the development of a policy that regulates orderly and legal migration. And keeps communities safe from those who have committed violent or serious crimes while in the country or prior to arrival.”
Clearly, we must recognize that racism, racial profiling and xenophobia play a significant role in the mass deportations. Blaming the “other” has been used time and again in world history. Jesus was a leader of revolutionary love, not fear. There is no “other.” Inspired by His love and actions, we strive to create a world grounded in compassion and mercy for everyone.
With faith and conviction, we pray and act, trusting that the politics of fear will be replaced by unity and justice. Love of neighbor and solidarity will triumph over fear. We invite everyone to raise their voices in their communities, standing together to bring an end to the politics of fear, and to welcome the stranger.
No matter where you are in the world you can extend a hand to those in need: volunteer, donate, write letters to lawmakers, share your views on social media. We must shine a light on the humanity of those being villainized.