By Sister Linda Stilling, SSND
There is so much fear and anxiety and confusion in the hearts of our immigrant sisters and brothers these days. Let each of us do what we can to ease their burden. Remember Jesus’ words “WHATEVER you do to one of your brothers or sisters, YOU DO TO ME!”
The Red Card or Tarjeta Roja, from the Immigration Legal Resource Center, explains people’s rights in the United States regardless of their legal status.
My experience with asking persons if they might know someone who needs a “tarjeta roja” has been so positive. Some say, “I do, and I am so afraid to come to work or send my children to school.”
When I finished listening to two women cleaning apartments, they thanked me for caring and wanted to give me a hug.
Some men doing landscaping and cement work kept saying “Gracias, Muy amable. Muy amable” (Thank you. Thank you. Very kind, very kind of you.”)
Truly, the persons I have met inspire me with their courage and trust in God. They have brought tears to my eyes. One delivery man, when I asked hm if he knew anyone who might need a card, just bowed his head and pointed to himself, as if ashamed. I wept.
Prayers, prayers, prayers. Let us hold the immigrant community daily in prayer and let us pray for our leaders and our country to honor the dignity of all persons and treat them with respect, justice and compassion.
Members of our Justice for Immigrants committee have contacted everyone in their sphere of influence. As a result, friends who have contact with many immigrants have distributed thousands of cards.
Let’s reach out to those who may have contact with immigrants in the United States and help them understand their rights.
Click here to obtain or make your own red cards.
