Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Guatemala City (Agenzia Fides) - “We unite ourselves to the migrants and their families, who are currently suffering from the restrictions established by migration policies. May they count on our prayers and our struggle to improve the situation.” This is what is stated in a document released by the Office for the Pastoral Care of Migrants, of the Guatemalan Bishops' Conference. The department is chaired by Bishop Alvaro Razzini Irmei of San Marcos.
The Church, through this document, is working toward migration reform and “ in response to the dramatic situation of the migrant population, wishes to express its profound solidarity for those who are victims of the round-ups and deportations that have taken place in recent years.”
Firstly, they show their concern for the growing migration, “a result of heightened poverty and a lack of employment opportunities.” They also recall that all people “have an intrinsic right not to migrate, to live and seek employment in their homeland,” however, they also “have the right to migrate in order to provide fore themselves and their families, when their most basic rights are denied.” Thus, they should be protected by governments and their dignity and rights should be respected. They also express their rejection of “attitudes such as discrimination, racism, and xenophobia,” because “immigrants are children of God; people with names, faces, hopes, and fears...human beings that deserve to be treated with dignity.”
Bishop Ramazzini explains that “ in recent times, the laws and norms on immigration have become stricter and more repressive in relationship to the immigrants,” especially in the United States, with an increase in round-ups and deportations. In fact, according to the official data, as of April 24, 8,661 Guatemalan migrants have been deported from the United States, including 7,558 men, 887 women, 185 male minors, and 31 female minors. Thus, as the Church, “we ask that an authentic migration reform be established for the millions of illegal immigrants,” the text says. This would aid in the “legalization of the over 12 million immigrants without papers, the majority of whom are Latin Americans living and working in the United States.”
Certainly, according to a statement, “a migration reform in these difficult times is complex,” and will find “serious resistance among certain political and economic sectors.” However, they also consider it as “a great opportunity, especially in these difficult times, which would benefit the families that are separated and falling apart by the lack of clear policies.” This reform, Bishop Ramazzini explains, “should take into account the moral and practical implications for all people, respecting the dignity and rights of migrants.”
As part of the Catholic Church, the Office for the Pastoral Care of Migrants offers several recommendations for migration reform, such as: simplification and redesign of a legal system; establishing a practical and efficient means to obtain permission for permanent legal residence for illegal immigrants living in the USA; create a policy of ample legal opportunities for reunification of families; create a Permanent Immigration Commission in charge of implementation of migration policies; create a National Office for Integration of Immigrants; take measures in increasing the number of immigrants who can work and live in the USA.
Lastly, they make an appeal to the government of Guatemala and the governments in the region, “that they come together in working for migration reform, i.e. that Central America and Mexico unite as one common block for common interest ...so that the new migration law can truly come to pass, and be a benefit to all illegal immigrants.” (RG) (Agenzia Fides 05/05/2009)
