Migrant Children, Uninvited Guests, and Welcoming the Stranger

Several Members of Congress support amending the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 (TVPRA) so that children from “non-contiguous” states would be screened by US border enforcement officials and rapidly removed if they are determined (1) not to have been victims of trafficking, (2) not to credibly fear trafficking or persecution if returned, and (3) able to “withdraw” their applications independently. These truncated procedures would prevent many traumatized children from accessing an attorney, articulating their claims, or receiving a hearing before an immigration judge.

In a blog for The Huffington Post, Donald Kerwin, CMS Executive Director, analyzes the case for amending the TVPRA, as set forth by Congressman Steve King (R-IA). It also draws heavily on the insights of leading Old Testament scholar, Fr. James Walsh, S.J., to discuss King’s past criticism of members of “the faith community, including conservative elements, [who] have taken the position that we have a moral and religious obligation to welcome illegal immigrants.”

Donald M. Kerwin, “Migrant Children, Uninvited Guests, and Welcoming the Stranger,” Huffington Post (Posted August 15, 2014).