On behalf of the Social & Environmental Justice Committee of the Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware in Lewes, I am writing to roundly condemn the actions now taking place on the southern border of the U.S. The criminalization of asylum seekers, splitting up of immigrant families, and incarceration of families seeking asylum are a regression back to the xenophobia and isolationism of our past.
Again, Lady Liberty in New York is weeping.
The Resolution of Conscience unanimously adopted by the UUSD congregation this June states in part: "Immigrant and Refugee Justice - People who leave their countries of origin do so for a variety of reasons. Refugees migrate out of necessity often in fear for their lives. Many immigrants migrate to create a better life for themselves and their families, also escaping political and social strife, gangs, and poverty.
"Our nation is stronger because of people who have migrated here and their descendants. Their migration does not change their humanity or our obligation to work for recognition of their worth and dignity."
In addition, the Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray, president of the national Unitarian Universalists Association of Congregations, said: "The policy of this administration to separate children from their parents at the border is immoral, inhumane and indefensible. These families arrive desperate for safe-haven, seeking asylum having fled violence and disruption in their own homeland - and instead of safety, they are further traumatized, victimized and criminalized at the hands of the U.S. government.
"Every human being has a right to flee from danger. Every parent has a fundamental right to seek safety and survival for their children.
"Migration is not a crime. Being a refugee is not a crime.
"Certainly, I would do whatever was needed to protect my child and my family - wouldn't you?"
Has the administration's version of "America First" morphed into - "My family got here first - the door is now closed"?
We urge the administration and members of Congress as well as local law enforcement to stop incarcerating immigrants who have done nothing wrong other than seek asylum, to stop tearing families apart, to stop caging children, and to reunite parents with their children who have been taken from them at the border.
Mac Goekler
co-chair, UUSD Social and Environmental Justice Committee
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