Standing with Our Immigrant Sisters and Brothers

by Sr. Rita Ostry, ND

We are living in interesting, challenging times that call for bold hope, courageous trust in God and tender loving. These days I am drawn to find ways to be in solidarity with our immigrant sisters and brothers experiencing so much fear and hate for who they are. They come to this country fleeing, escaping life-threatening situations and horrible oppression seeking safety for their lives and a peaceful place to live.

There is so much misinformation circulating and myths about why people come here. They are villainized and stereotyped as they try to navigate an immigration system that is broken, bogged down, and extremely expensive. Information about these myths and the awareness of the amazing contributions immigrants bring to our country need to be shared.

I have decided that I need to do something that engages me with immigrant families. I have found that witnessing on the streets with signs that affirm immigrant workers, construction workers, teachers, farm laborers, etc., can give that message. My favorite sign to hold is “Got a new roof, thank an immigrant roofer.”  Other signs say, “Families belong together,” Our Immigration system is broken and needs to be fixed,” “Love has no boundaries,” and so on. I cannot tell you what it does to see guys driving by in their pickups give thumbs up, share great big smiles and nod their heads with gratitude. This is a moment of human connection. It is a way of sharing welcome and glad you are here. At larger rallies it is the honking and thumbs up that are signs of standing with and speaking out that what is happening is not respectful or humane and needs to change.

My heart aches for struggling families who come to this country with deep hope to find welcome, friendship and peace. I am called to bring hope and healing to those in need. I trust that by offering a simple acknowledgement that you are welcomed here brings them some hope and encouragement. For me, it is through attentiveness to legislation, advocating in such situations, and praying for the commitment to remain involved to help change things, these are ways to offer hope, support, and concern to those who experience such alienation in their lives.