What can I do about the kids being separated from their parents at the border?

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billsherman

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Several posters have asked me via pm where they can direct resources in order to help the kids being separated from their families along the border. I posted in another thread about some ideas, but thought a dedicated thread would be easier to find.

This thread is not intended to be a debate. If you support the policy, go somewhere else.

I should note that I am not employed by any of these organizations, nor are any family members of mine. I have no beneficial relationship with any of them. They are also all 501(c)3’s and your contributions may be tax deductible in the US, though you should consult with a tax adviser to be certain it applies to you.

Following a long standing policy, the Catholic Church has been heavily involved in immigration issues for a very long time, so it is no surprise that many organizations doing excellent work are affiliated with the Catholic Church. A few that are exceptional include:

Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC) - https://cliniclegal.org/ They provide legal services and also support some affiliates of Catholic Charities.

Catholic Charities - ever diocese I have ever dealt with has an affiliate, and there is a national affiliate as well. The local affiliates are more involved in this issue on the personal level, though not all are. Catholic Charities of Houston and El Paso are doing conspicuously good work.

Kino Border Initiative - https://www.kinoborderinitiative.org/ - A Jesuit run, bi-national, organization that provides direct relief to people seeking asylum. They provide things like diapers, water, and food, to people waiting to try and cross into the US.

Jesuit Refugee Services, North American - http://jrsusa.org/ - They work with some of bigger picture issues, and broadly delegate to Kino the border, but do wonderful work with refugees who make it into the US.

They are many other organizations also working on the issue, such as the Red Cross. Other legal service providers are often involved with other more controversial matters, but still dedicate substantial resources to working with migrants. The ACLU and SPLC are among them.

Unfortunately I cannot point you in the right direction if political activism is your cup of tea. I’m a bad activist, and would not know where to start. The above list is the best I can do, hopefully it steers someone in the right direction.

Again, this is not a debate thread. Thank you.
 
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I’d add that that trying to understand the situation beyond the media and political squawk is also a good start. The situation is always more complicated and there are real lives involved.
 
There are definitely real lives involved. Many people are reacting emotionally on FB to whatever might be said. I personally wrote to my senator. I’ve lived overseas, and have written in the past using personal knowledge. It is important when writing to try to look for solutions, not simply at the very complicated situation at hand.
 
Thanks for making a thread with practical ways to help. I wish more people would address issues in a practical way, whether it’s by contacting their elected representatives or donating, and do less emotional dithering on social media.

The only thing I would add is, while I know everyone is focused on the children at the border right now, there are likely children, some of them probably immigrants, right in your own backyard who need help too. I am in an area of the country nowhere near a border (any border) and we have a very large immigrant population here because local ag businesses hire them. So there are needs right in the community all day every day. People might want to find a couple of local charities or community groups and help them out too, including when this whole issue is surpassed by the next crise du jour to which the media shifts its attention.
 
We have many immigrant communities and seasonal agricultural workers here. Our diocese has an immigration office. Maybe yours does too.
 
I know the diocese has Catholic Social Services providing the immigrants with legal assistance.

I just donated to the local health nonprofit that focuses on providing health care for local immigrants.
 
I know it doesn’t provide immediate relief but we can support policies that secure the border and greatly reduce this moral dilemma for the future and the many evils that come with having such a loose border policy.
 
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The biggest thing is prayer, prayer and prayer. That God our Father comforts the parents and children that are in deep pain and hurt.

As a father, I can’t even imagine the extreme pain I would feel if somebody came and took my child away, seperating us thousands of miles away and locking us up like animals.

Pray also that God can bring these families together. The trauma these kids have will last a life. I can’t believe my beloved home USA has turned into savages.

Oh God, in the name of Jesus, hear our prayers.
Oh Blessed Mother, hear our prayers.
Oh Saints of God, hear our prayers.
 
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Yes indeed. I agree this is an issue that requires fervent prayer, because it is so politically charged and fueled by misinformation, innuendo, etc. We can all agree the situation is crucial for those seeking refuge in the USA. If I were in their shoes, I would try just about anything to find a way to improve conditions for my children, and relatives. There will be an answer to this, and I pray that the government and border authorities find a humane solution to the plight of these poor souls. Holy Mother Mary, please help us in this regard. We must have faith, and remember that NEVER was it known that anyone who fled to Her protection, or sought Her intercession was left unaided. We must be confident she will hear us. I will pray for them. I think this calls for the Rosary.
 
Pray for the children, and pray for the parents as well. Ask mercy for those who have broken immigration laws; God can be merciful when the government won’t be.

Pray for mercy on the US as a whole, we are getting very weird about children; many on the left are rationalizing abortion and many on the right are rationalizing separating children from parents.
 
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