A SAFE HAVEN FOR All

A strong tradition of social justice is based on the principles of justice for the sake of migrants, asylum seekers and refugees.

We should approach and live by these principles and to do that we can encourage and influence our nation’s leaders to use these principles in their policies, decisions and actions.

The first principle is: PEOPLE HAVE THE RIGHT TO FIND OPPORTUNITIES IN THEIR HOMELAND

This principle states that a person has a right not to migrate.  In other words, economic, social, and political conditions in their homeland should provide an opportunity for a person to work and support his or her family in dignity and safety. In public policy terms, efforts should be made to address global economic inequities through just trade practices, economic development, and debt relief. Peacemaking efforts should be advanced to end conflict which forces persons to flee their homes.

The second principle is: PERSONS HAVE THE RIGHT TO MIGRATE TO SUPPORT THEMSELVES AND THEIR FAMILIES.

When persons are unable to find work and support themselves and their families, they have a right to migrate to other countries and work. This right is not absolute.   It applies when “there are just reasons for it.” In the current condition of the world, in which global poverty is rampant and political unrest has resulted in wars and persecution, migrants who are forced to leave their homes out of necessity and seek only to survive and support their families must be given special consideration.

The third principle is: SOVEREIGN NATIONS HAVE A RIGHT TO CONTROL THEIR BORDERS.

The sovereign nation has the right to protect and control its borders in the service of the common good of its citizens.   Again, this is not an absolute right.   Nations also have an obligation to the universal common good and should seek to accommodate migration as much as they can.   Nations, great and small, are called upon to establish immigration systems that provide legal avenues for persons to enter their nation in a safe, orderly, and dignified manner to obtain jobs and reunite with family members.

The fourth principle is: REFUGEES AND ASYLUM SEEKERS SHOULD BE OFFERED PROTECTION.

Persons who flee their home countries because they fear persecution should be given safe haven and protection in another country. Conflict and political unrest in many parts of the world force persons to leave their homes for fear of death or harm. They are entitled to be granted a safe haven.

The fifth principle is: THE HUMAN RIGHTS AND THE HUMAN DIGNITY OF UNDOCUMENTED MIGRANTS SHOULD BE RESPECTED.

Persons who enter a nation without proper authorization or who over-stay their visas should be treated with respect and dignity. They should not be detained in restricted conditions for lengthy periods of time. They should be afforded due process of the law and, if applicable, allowed to express a fear of return to their home before a qualified adjudicator. They should not be blamed for the social ills of a nation.

The sixth principle is: MIGRANTS, REFUGEES and ASYLUM SEEKERS HAVE RESPONSIBILITIES TOO.

They have responsibilities to respect and promote the traditions, customs and laws of their host country.    They must not undermine the traditions, customs and laws of their host country by seeking to replace them with traditions, customs and laws of their own.

There are sufficient resources in our world so that all people can have shelter and a safe haven.

(Taken from a Homily, E Blazoni, SM)