NEW YORK — What links climate change and human trafficking? A lot more than one might think. The intersection of these issues was explored on Saturday, Dec. 13, through “Looking Beyond Our Borders,” a conference sponsored by The Migrant Center at the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, West 31st Street. More than 100 people listened to the keynote address …
U.S. Provincials Greet Immigration Changes with Hope, Caution
The leaders of the OFM provinces in the United States sent a letter to President Barack Obama this week thanking him for his recent action on immigration and recommending further reform to achieve justice for all. The Dec. 1 letter, signed by the seven U.S. provincial ministers, told the president that “it is a just and good thing that as …
Franciscan Friars Call on Obama to Address Border Crisis Compassionately
The Franciscan friars of the United States have called on President Barack Obama to address the growing humanitarian crisis on the U.S.-Mexican border. In an Aug. 15 letter, the provincial ministers of the seven OFM provinces — including Kevin Mullen, OFM — asked the president to increase direct leadership to meet the immediate needs of the thousands of unaccompanied child …
In Response to Flood of Child Refugees, A Franciscan Call to Action
NEW YORK — In response to the overwhelming number of unaccompanied children arriving at the southern border of the United States seeking refuge from violence in Central America, the Franciscan friars of Holy Name Province are calling on the U.S. government and all people to provide immediate humanitarian action. In a statement released July 31, the friars encourage all to …
Franciscan Action Network Advocates for Environment, Immigration
WASHINGTON — The Franciscan Action Network continues to raise awareness for its key causes — immigration reform, climate change, and human trafficking — and will offer a webinar on climate change tomorrow from 4 to 5 p.m. Eastern time. FAN’s executive director Patrick Carolan is joining Franciscans International U.N. Advocacy Officer Amanda Lyons in presenting a long-term strategy to prepare …
Julian Jagudilla, NYC Leaders Seek Relief for Filipino Workers
NEW YORK — One month after Typhoon Haiyan devastated the Philippines, Julian Jagudilla, OFM, and New York City Council members called on the Obama administration to designate the Philippines a temporary protected status country. If approved, 500,000 to one million Filipinos with expiring or expired visas will temporarily remain employed through an 18-month extension of the validity of those documents, enabling Filipinos …
Multicultural Service Concludes Franciscan Fast for Families
One month after the fast for immigration reform began, the Fast for Families coalition packed up the tent on the National Mall. Though Congress is on winter break, activists have not given up their fight to create a path to citizenship for immigrants in the United States. “I feel very fortunate that we touched the hearts of America,” Eliseo Medina, …