While attending Mass in South Jersey, a dialog about the Dreamers was ministered. The message, that I carried away, was that Jesus Christ was an immigrant, and what we do unto them, in their struggle, we do unto Him.
The Church was strongly encouraged to exercise mercy and love, and to encourage our leaders to come up with solutions that include a clear path to citizenship. The Church stands with people who are struggling, and not against them.
From life experiences, I can empathize greatly with immigrants. As an African-American woman, I know what it’s like to be oppressed, lied on and only treated like half a person.
Immigrants all have a magnificent story, and I am sure many would be receptive to hearing more than, “I wanted a better life”. People need to hear what happened in the middle. If more of us lifted up our voices, and shared what’s happening to us in the mist of this systematic, oppressive, latent system, then we would be better able to elect proper officials.
American citizens also suffer everyday with food insecurity, hospital expenses and taxes that make it impossible for them even to upkeep their property. It’s time to make some big changes and it’s time to make some big decisions. The time is NOW!
It’s time to stop watching people die, and to start doing something about it. We are in denial if we believe that these DACA or DREAMER people haven’t died, been raped, abused, or human trafficked, because their abusers knew they would be too scared to say anything. What the DACA members are experiencing is emotional violence. It’s a human right to be free of abuse. This goes for everyone.
Some people believe that they’re troublemakers, just rocking the boat or “attention seekers.” I don’t. I know they are just doing what they have to do. It’s healthy to speak out when you are being abused.
It’s time for each individual state to come up with solutions for their population, and to stop scapegoating. It’s time to take a first step, and to help legalize the registered DACA recipients.
Please be aware that scapegoating President Trump is not a solution. Stay focused and seek solutions. Ask our leaders to give us real solutions and not to just resist blindly. We must open our eyes, and see that destroying each other, and our country is not a good solution.