Good Samaritans Penalized for Helping in Critical Need

Photo Credit: Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati

The title of this blog, in-all-things-charity, keeps its writer vigilant for news of kindness on the global scene. The blog is meant to help its readers be aware of where help is needed and what can inspire us to do more for others even if we cannot engage in action. We can always pray—therefore, we do some reflections on effective prayer in our lives for the well-being of others.

Thus, I was taken aback by a headline in our local paper: Now, Good Samaritans helping migrants are in GOP’s Crosshairs. Francis Wilkinson reports that “According to a Bloomsberg Government report, Congressional Republicans are now expanding their targets beyond migrants (and Democrats) to include humanitarian groups that work on the border.” Immediately, I was a bit shaken. My religious community has four Sisters working at our clinic in El Paso, Texas and another running a clinic roughly 700 miles away from El Paso in Weslaco, Texas. These women are educated professional nurses and educators, who have been at their work on the border between the U.S. and Mexico long before the impasse of the migrant and refugee crisis has escalated. (I hesitate to use their names for obvious reasons.) There are other religious-affiliated groups also working on the border, not to covertly smuggle illegal immigrants into the country but simply to provide humanitarian aid to them. What would you do when a mother holds a baby who is sick or a child who is withering away in heat, dehydration, and starvation? When you see such a dilemma, what would you do?

But Tom Tiffany, a congressman from Wisconsin, wants members of El Paso’s Catholic Charities to testify in Congress how the organization uses federal funds. He wants to see “…what they’re doing down on the border to facilitate illegal immigration.” Well, I’ll tell you Mr. Tiffany that if you go yourself, you’ll see what the charitable organizations are doing at the border. They are not smuggling illegal immigrants. They are simply helping people survive. So, why don’t you personally visit them? But don’t go in a large boat with a media crew for your own aggrandizement. Go without a bevy of staff members who will look official and intimidating. Go in a T-shirt and cap, unarmed, and visit the clinics and see for yourself. You can’t see the insides of clinics and detention centers from a boat which simulates a jaunty cruise down a tired Rio Grande. 

You might get to see some miracles which are performed by faith workers. Like the miracle of the little boy whose club foot was straightened out and ‘normalized’ by one of my sisters who practices a form of brain/muscle therapy on countless patients who will never be able to scramble over the border and make a run for freedom. Many rely on her therapy because they have no medical coverage to see a doctor or receive medications, let alone surgery. Or observe the classroom of another sister who teaches children to read because they would be illiterate and eventually unable to apply for work. Watch the nurses teach pregnant mothers how to survive in the wickedness of prolonged, abusive heat and how to make nourishing meals with what little they have. Observe, Mr. Tiffany, how the desperately poor in these clinics and shelters are helping each other when the electricity is turned off and there is limited shade to sit for a family meal. As one of my sisters said, “Nothing is more inspiring than watching little ones helping little ones.” You might learn something about compassion Mr. Tiffany.    

In a letter to Catholic Charities, which House GOP members signed in 2022, the organization was accused of “…misusing funds and possibly committing crimes. The letter instructed Catholic Charities to preserve documents in preparation for an investigation.” For the record, my sisters do not accept funds from either the Federal Government or Catholic Charities. 

Reflection

The immigrant crisis is a complex issue no matter what your politics might be. What I love about religious non-profit ministry is that these groups do not move in political channels. They see a need and they address it. They don’t ask questions of the person seeking help. This is the way Jesus ministered: in all things, charity. There is a place for those who are commissioned to debate the issues; after all, they have the power to address the greater good which ultimately affects those in need as well as those not in need. 

Most of us can do more, however, in meeting the complex problems requiring charity for the poor. I’d like to suggest a few things you might reflect on and then take action: First, become informed. Seek out people who work in areas you are not familiar with like immigration. Such persons can suggest readings and resources you can use. Many parishes have social justice organizations which you can approach for information.

Second, contact government leaders on the issue. Apply pressure by writing to as many as possible on either side of the issue. Do not think they are not aware of your letters. 

Third, study carefully what religious organizations you can donate to-even a small amount-toward charitable organizations that assist people who are suffering.

Finally, do pray. Pray often and with dedication lifting your heart to unite it with the people for whom you are praying. 

From Psalm 82 we pray: Defend the lowly and the fatherless; 

render justice to the afflicted and the destitute.

Rescue the lowly and the poor; from the land of the wicked

deliver them.

May your summer continue to bring you blessings. Any thoughts on this post?