Migration

Sanctuary ministry that has aided thousands of immigrants needs new home
by Jamie Manson
Oct. 18, 2018

For more than three decades, the subterranean level of Trinity United Methodist Church in Berkeley, California, is the place the East Bay Sanctuary Covenant has called home. Its simple red door at the bottom of a stairway has been the gateway to safe and secure passage into the United States for thousands of immigrants and refugees. Despite its rundown environs, Franciscan Sr. Maureen Duignan, the organization's executive director, is deeply worried the program may soon lose this space.

Mercy sisters decry report of immigrant children moved to tent city

by Carol Zimmermann Catholic News Service
Oct. 5, 2018

The Sisters of Mercy of the Americas said they are "outraged and appalled" by a recent report of migrant children being moved to a tent city in Texas, adding that what is happening now "pales in comparison to the trauma and uncertainty these young girls and boys and their families will experience for years to come."

Sister immigration lawyers ply expertise at border, in courtrooms
by Nuri Vallbona
Oct. 1, 2018

Women religious from various congregations are quietly tapping into their faith to advocate for the undocumented. Some of these women happen to be immigration attorneys. Sisters with legal expertise are on the frontlines of changing immigration policies that brought about the separation of families at the border and that made it more difficult for Central Americans to gain asylum.

Faith-based groups address migration issues in Asia-Pacific region
by Rita Joseph
Sep. 20, 2018

Issues surrounding labor migration — such as the rights of migrant workers, high fees on wired remittances, and inconsistent policies across nations — were the focus of a recent three-day conference, "Migrant Workers: An Asian-Pacific Experience." The gathering in New Delhi drew 161 participants, mostly religious, from across Asia.

Reporting assignment on refugees teaches invaluable lessons
by Chris Herlinger
Aug. 27, 2018

GSR Today: The Seeking Refuge series took me to Rome and Athens, to see how communities are responding to migration. I spoke to refugee families who taught me about resilience, hope and courage. Sisters and others in the humanitarian field gave me direction as I navigated a tricky and complex subject. These are the lessons I learned.

Sister-run home shelters deportees from US, renews spirits
by Soli Salgado
Aug. 23, 2018

Casa del Migrante Reynosa, run by four Daughters of Charity in a Mexican town bordering McAllen, Texas, shelters deportees from the U.S. as they figure out what to do next. "When they're deported, they bring with them a very intense pain because they invested in the journey," said Sr. Edith Garrido, a Daughter of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul. 

Seeking Refuge: For Hondurans, staying home is more perilous than taking the migrant path
by David Agren
Aug. 2, 2018

Honduras ranks as the sixth most unequal country in the world. Drug cartels are common, and workers are subjected to extortion. Women are fleeing Honduras to protect their children from gangs: boys are forced to become foot soldiers while girls are preyed upon against their wills. Now under tougher U.S. policies, gang violence will no longer qualify for asylum claims. And deportees are arriving back in Honduras in massive numbers. 

• Also in this series: As resettlement agency in Kansas closes, other doors open