El Paso Bishop Seitz testifies before Congressional committee on plight of unaccompanied immigrant children
The surge of undocumented child immigrants into the United States seems to have every national leader talking.
Today, El Paso Bishop Mark Seitz had his word heard during a Congressional committee hearing in Washington, D.C.
“In visiting with these children in my diocese and in their home countries, I’ve witnessed the human consequences of the violence they have endured,” Seitz said in his testimony. “The challenge, this challenge, tests the morale character of our nation. It is a test we must not fail. Other nations are watching how we handle this matter. Our moral authority in the world is at stake.”
Michigan U.S. Rep. John Conyers asked Seitz what can be done to deal with the problem and about an apparent discrepancy in in numbers.
“A good deal of prayer would be a good idea,” Seitz began his answer. “It’s a huge challenge that we face. I think it’s so interesting when you look at the sending-countries, one thing that distinguishes Nicaragua from other countries is the violence in those other countries. We have to bolster the ability of these governments and communities to deal with the incredible, unimaginable levels of violence.”
U.S. Rep. Spencer Bhachus asked Seitz if the Roman Catholic Church is doing anything to discourage these children from undertaking the dangerous journey from their home countries in South America to the United States.
“Very much so,” Seitz said, adding that he and other bishops have gone to the countries personally to deliver the message. “We spoke to many groups and the universal message is ‘just don’t go.’ That’s personally a message I’ve given to young people.”
Seitz was also asked about the Church helping these immigrant children once they get to the U.S. and if they should be doing so.
“When they arrive to the United States, I don’t think we can say we’re not going show you compassion and leave them on the streets,” Seitz said, adding they have a duty to help them.
