Migration

Snapshots of migration issues at the border

Across the world, poverty, environmental degradation, armed conflict, persecution, and other injustices forcibly displace millions of people from their homes. According to the UN Refugee Agency, "89.3 million people worldwide were forcibly displaced at the end of 2021" because of these factors. This number is expected to increase in the coming decades as poverty, the climate crisis, and political instabilities intensify. 

The Missionary Society of St. Columban walks in solidarity with forcibly displaced communities in countries like Australia, Britain, Chile, Korea, and Taiwan, as well as along the US/MX border. Columbans are blessed by our relationship with migrants, who make the face of God present to the whole world (cf. Mt: 25:31-46). All Christians are invited by the Gospel to welcome migrants as they would welcome Christ, giving witness to their needless suffering and their dreams for a better life.  

Guided by Catholic teaching, we believe that every person has the right not to migrate, that each person is entitled to the conditions that allow them to thrive in their home. But, when those conditions are not present, we also believe that every person has the right to migrate, and that countries are obligated to receive migrants with compassion and design their immigration processes with justice. 

Together with migrants, let us walk with the “two feet of love in action,” serving their immediate needs and advocating for changes to public policy, in order to build a future where everyone thrives and everyone is welcome. 

How Can You Get Involved?

U.S./Mexico Border

Visit the US/MX Border

The Columban Mission Center in El Paso hosts “border awareness experiences” all year long.

Border Workshop

Host a Border Justice Workshop

See the reality beyond the rhetoric. Host a border justice workshop for your faith community or group.

Capitol

Tell Congress: End MPP & Title 42

Write to your Members of Congress today urging them to end MPP and Title 42, two policies that are denying asylum-seekers their right to request safety.