Catholic Sisters Lead Call for Congress to Invest in Welcoming Communities

WASHINGTON – With the House of Representatives set to vote on a Department of Homeland Security Appropriations bill that would shut down the border to people seeking asylum and reinforce militarization along the borderlands, Catholic Sisters from across the US joined with NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice and the #WelcomeWithDignity Campaign on Capitol Hill on September 13 to call on Congress to invest in welcoming communities and move away from the path of militarization that causes so much harm both at the U.S.-Mexico border and in communities across the US

“Attempts to shut down the border or even punish those seeking protection will never stop those who are making the wrenching decision to leave their homes and seek safety in another country,” said Katharina Obser, director of the Migrant Rights and Justice program at the Women’s Refugee Commission. “Rather than respond with misguided attempts at deterrence, Women’s Refugee Commission calls on Congress and the Administration to support humane and just border policies. Congress should invest in those organizations at the border and in the interior of the United States doing the critical work of welcoming and supporting those seeking asylum. Together, and with Congress’s support, the United States can finally welcome those seeking protection with dignity.”