by Fr. Michael Leonard
Celebrating Independence—Waiting Patiently
One of the greatest gifts this country has to offer all immigrants is undoubtedly the freedom it bestows on all who come to its shores. This freedom is at the very heart of what our annual 4th of July celebrations are all about. It can be difficult for those born into such a free and democratic society to truly appreciate what an enormous relief it is to be able to live in an enjoy the freedoms this nation offers to all.
This is especially true for people who come here having been forced to leave their countries of birth for a variety of reasons. The obvious reasons such as lack of religious freedom, political freedom and persecution because of race, ethnicity or more basic human rights find sympathy from most people. What forces the vast majority of Hispanic immigrations to enter the US without the proper papers are reasons which are less well known. A high percentage of those living here undocumented are here because of the really long waiting time that exists for them to get a visa allowing them to come and live with close family members who are already legally here. They majority of the remainder who enter without papers are what are often called “economic refugees.” These are people forced off the land in South America because they can’t make enough to support their families at home. This is often due to the trade policies of NAFTA and the control of market prices that make it practically impossible for farmers in developing countries to get a fair price for their produce.
This point is well stated and supported by Catholic Relief Services and the US Bishops Conference. The following quotes are taken from one of their statements.
Migration has been a consistent aspect of the human experience throughout history and continues to be a defining characteristic of the United States. Migration is closely linked to economic, social and political realities that influence the decision, and often the necessity, for people to migrate. Currently close to 200 million people live outside their country of birth worldwide. Although this number includes refugees, asylum seekers and others, economic migrants make up the largest proportion. These economic migrants—who could often be described as economically displaced people—have few other options to remain in their country and meet the basic needs of their families.
In the context of globalization, goods and capital cross borders with increasing ease, but workers are unable to move to where job opportunities exist or to where their jobs may have moved. At the same time, many wealthier countries are experiencing declining birth rates and aging populations that would lead to a labor shortage were it not for immigrant workers.
Currently, restrictive migration policies throughout the world have resulted in few avenues for legal or safe migration. Instead, many migrants experience abuse and exploitation as they travel in dangerous conditions. They are subjected to extortion and physical and sexual violence, and die of exposure, dehydration or drowning. Many migrants have little access to protection, legal representation or basic services.
U.S. immigration laws and policies have become increasingly restrictive and even harmful to some immigrants and asylum seekers. Between 10 and 12 million people in the U.S. live on the margins of our society for lack of proper immigration documentation. Immigrants who are legal permanent residents in the U.S. who want to reunite with close family members must often wait 10 or more years for visas for their relatives. Enforcement strategies employed along our southern border have resulted in thousands of deaths. Asylum seekers who flee persecution in their home countries and look for safe haven in the U.S. instead find themselves detained as criminals.
People have the right to migrate to support themselves and their families where conditions do not exist to meet their basic needs. Our current immigration system often separates families for years as migrants take great risks to find work and send resources to families left behind. Even when a family member is able to establish U.S. legal permanent residency and attempts to reunite with loved ones, visa delays often keep husbands and wives, parents and children apart for years. The number of unaccompanied minors attempting to migrate to the U.S. to reunite with family has risen in recent years. Minors are particularly vulnerable: there are increasing reports of children disappearing in transit and, in some cases, becoming victims of human trafficking.
So as you celebrate your independence please spare a thought for those who do not enjoy the full benefits of our freedom.
Golf—Thank You
I am happy to report that last month we had a very successful Golf fundraising outing for Chicago Irish Immigrant Support. Even a couple of nasty showers couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the 90 competitors.
St. Tar’s was well represented among the winners with Dave McNaughton and Steve Heinol the winners on course two. The golfing gods smiled on myself and a visitor from Lexington Kentucky, Tommy Harrison helping us pick up first place on course one.
I take this opportunity to thank all who sponsored ads in our book, who donated prizes for the raffle or who came to play in the event. Your support is truly appreciated, many thanks.
Parable of Two Screws
Once upon a time there were two screws fastening a vital part of a gasoline engine. One of the screws was haughty and proud of it’s shining head. The second screw was quiet, intent only on doing its job to the best of its ability.
One day a speck of rust appeared on the head of the second screw. Filled with vain pride of its own beauty, the first screw began to laugh at the second. “Your head is tarnished,” the first said to the second. “Look at you. Your perfect luster is gone.”
The second screw said nothing. Instead, it concentrated on what it was doing.
“How ugly you have become,” the first screw chortled, “and how beautiful I have remained.” Then it began to laugh so hard at the second screw that it failed to notice that it was working itself loose. Finally it dropped off the engine and plunged into a small pool of dirty oil below.
With the first screw no longer holding up its end of the load, the second was faced with doing the work of two. Meanwhile the first screw, now covered with grimy oil, wailed and lamented. “Just look at me! I’m dirty and filthy and all my beauty is gone. By laughing at the blemish on my friend the second screw, I worked myself loose and fell into the muck. Now I’m doomed.”
Now, it just so happened that a short time later the owner of the engine started it up. He immediately noticed that something didn’t sound right—the engine was running rough. When he checked, he instantly saw that one of the two screws holding the vital part was missing. “Ah ha!” the owner said. “One of the screws must have worked itself loose and fell to the ground, but I don’t see it. Maybe it fell into that puddle of old oil.”
The owner reached into the oil and found the missing screw. “Look at you,” the owner said. “You’re all covered with grime and oil. How ugly you are. But I will fix that right away.” The owner reached for a nearby rag and wiped all the oil and grime off the first screw until it shone even brighter than before. Then he replaced it on the part. Before he turned away, he noticed a little speck of tarnish on the head of the second screw. With the second rag, he wiped the head clean and bright. Then the owner walked away.
Finally the engine was started. The two screws, now equally beautiful, held the part tight. “Forgive me, my friend,” the first screw said to the second. “In my vanity, I was so busy laughing at your blemish that I did not notice that I was working myself loose.”
“And what have you learned?” the second screw quietly asked.
“I learned not to judge others because I have my own sins to deal with.”
“Then,” the second screw said, “I forgive you.”
“Thank you, my friend. And rest assured, my vanity will remain forever at the bottom of that dirty puddle of oil.”
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