Throughout history, people who are of a different background, race, nationality, sexual orientation, gender, religion, or any other characteristic or attribute that distinguishes them from the dominant group at the time have been vilified, feared, mocked, and oppressed.
Sadly, we saw a shocking demonstration of this ethnocentricity during the presidential debate Tuesday night. This time, it was about immigrants portrayed as less than human, falsely accused of eating pets. This, of course, incites fear and hatred for a group that is more desperate than threatening.
The comments perpetuate the polarization that seems to define our society. There is no question but that our immigration system is broken. It needs to be reshaped to allow for the dignity and rights of each human person, in the context of just laws and procedures. Yet it is not the fault of those seeking asylum or shelter or a better life for themselves and their families that we have broken systems. It’s the fault of those who legislate and oversee the way we do things.
The Association of US Catholic Priests abhors the vitriol and conspiracy narratives that dehumanize anyone, especially now those at the borders seeking to get in. Of course, there must be laws and limits. But they must be just and must be enacted humanely.
AUSCP joins the US bishops in urging Congress and members of all political parties to fix the broken system and to lower the temperature of the rhetoric that polarizes in such hateful ways.