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In the center of reporters, jammed elbow to elbow, and thrusting microphones in front of him last week, Pope Leo looked calm but determined. He spoke in English, a seemingly calculated move because his response appeared aimed at American audiences who might be listening and wondering about the American efforts to punish or incarcerate illegal aliens presumed guilty of major crimes.
Up front, the Pope asked for a call in introspection on the treatment of migrants in the U.S., particularly “in response to recent crackdowns and events like the denial of pastoral assistance to detained individuals.” This is something allowed for any prisoner, even ones going to his or her execution on death’s row in American prisons. Why is it not allowed in immigrant detainee prisons? It is a fundamental right of any human being. The Pope referred to many detainees as having lived in the U.S. for years without any transgressions against the law and to refuse them pastoral attention as was done at the Broadway ICE detention facility in Chicago was more than a denial of their rights; it was denial of their humanity.
You may ask why migrants who are here illegally don’t just get a green card and begin lessons on citizenship. I don’t pretend to understand all the nuances of the process but let me put this very simply. If you get into the U.S. illegally, you have to get work immediately to survive. Some employers will help you get a green card which provides temporary safety. You then have to secure an attorney to work out requirements toward citizenship. All of this can take years. Then you may have to appear in court to substantiate your reasons for your illegal entrance into the United States. Remember, there is little in legal documentation that migrants can carry with themselves in their journey. Illegal migrants are escapees from violence and death threats in their home countries. If they were to apply for passports, visas, or any forms of identification from their home countries, authorities would identify them and keep them from fleeing. They have no choice but to seek freedom illegally.
Legal immigrants often have American citizens who work from here to iron out the details of getting them to our shores. They may even have the assistance of businesses, universities, corporate entities—and, yes, professional sports—who desire their athletic prowess.
Here are some definitions that might help you:
Refugees: Individuals who have fled their country due to well-founded fear for their lives; they are entitled under international law to protection and assistance.
Asylum Seekers: People seeking international protection due to persecution or harm in their own country. Term means someone who is seeking but not yet been officially granted refugee status.
Migrants: Those who chose to leave their country to overcome poverty or life-threatening circumstances.
Immigrants: People who move to other countries for marriage, family ties, employment or business or other opportunities. (World Vision Website)
Pope Leo made it very clear that “Christians will be judged by how we welcome the foreigner.” He referred to the arrests of individuals stating that “mass deportations and family separations are inhuman.” Too many he adds, “are deeply affected by the hardline policies,” including the strategies without due process occurring against Venezuelan boats by American military.
A New York Times investigative report on the notorious CECOT prison in El Salvador demonstrates with painful clarity what international forensic groups have found in the treatment of prisoners, some 250 sent by our administration as alleged drug dealers. The prisoners reported that their plane had landed in Honduras but later it took off for El Salvador after an official came on board and with a cadre of guards began beating the men who were reacting to being sent to CECOT. “They started beating us all,” said one man. “If you raised your head a little, they would knock it down.” Many endured broken noses, split lips, bruises on their bodies. They were handcuffed and unable to defend themselves. Of the 250 taken from the U.S. only 13 had police records and mostly for petty crimes. Most of these men were Uber drivers, restaurant workers, janitors, husbands and fathers all caught in an evil web while we cater to devious dictators like in El Salvador and Argentina, among others, using their moral weaknesses and exploiting their greed as in the case of granting millions to El Salvador to build more prisons only to satisfy uninformed Americans.
Reflection
Pope Leo’s call left no doubt when he ended the press conference. He urged, “deep reflection” on this issue by every human being. I kept thinking of that phrase over and over: deep reflection. God needs this from me. We would do well to define what ‘deep reflection’ is. Deep reflection means we adapt two important positions in a prayerful attitude. First, as you approach prayer about this concern try to bring an open mind. Try to read reputable sources on the subject. Try to listen to comprehensive media. Seek to discuss this with informed persons. Do not discuss so you can argue; discuss so you can listen in the exchange. Do not be afraid to offer your informed opinion and do not allow yourself to be silenced. And never be afraid to ask questions. Second, when you begin your prayer leave all your biases at the door. Simply ask for God’s guidance on how to think and behave on the issue. God doesn’t need research, study, your personal experience; God only needs your open heart and simple will to believe you can help in this. Ask to be rid of anything personal and only to focus on the needs of people whose experience you may not have. There’s a deep well of learning there.
Some Biblical examples for us to ponder: Leviticus 19:33-34; Genesis 23:4, Exodus 23:9, Matthew 5:43-44, Romans12:13. You might want to reflect on the Book of Ruth in the Hebrew Scriptures for her wonderful acceptance into Naomi’s tribe. I love her words to Boaz who sees her among the gleaners: “Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me—a foreigner?” (Ruth 2:10)
I love all of you, my faithful readers, and Anonymous Angels…
In All Things Charity 
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