The Nationality and Borders Bill will result in further hardship for refugees seeking asylum, discriminating against those who have had no choice but to take dangerous “illegal” routes to our shores. It treats people who have been forced to flee their home as a problem to be solved, rather than as a product of an unjust global situation. Jesuit Refugee Services explain why the new plans will build more walls to sanctuary, excluding those who need our help the most.
Caritas Westminster has also covered concerns about this Bill in some detail. Bishop Paul, Chair of Caritas Westminster and lead Bishop for Migrants and refugees said: “Catholic Social Teaching states that each person must be treated with equal care, equal compassion and equal dignity, all are made in the image of God. They are all refugees, all fleeing for whatever reason.”
The World Day of Migrants and Refugees (WDMR) will be celebrated on Sunday, 26 September. The theme chosen by the Holy Father for 2021 is Towards an ever wider “we”. He calls us “think no longer in terms of ‘them’ and ‘those’, but only ‘us’. WDMR gives us an opportunity to reflect on how we are answering the call of Pope Francis to ‘Welcome, Protect, Promote and Integrate’ migrating persons Fratelli Tutti #129.
What can you do?
- We urge people to contact their MPs to share our concerns. You might like to use the Write To Them website, and the resources, including a template letter, provided by JRS.
- We encourage everyone to celebrate WDMR as an occasion to express concern for different vulnerable people on the move; to pray for them as they face many challenges; and to increase awareness about the opportunities that migration offers.
Please contact caritas@prcdtr.org.uk if you would like any further information.