Give me your tired, your poor…”
“The United States has a long tradition of welcoming refugees, but its resettlement programs had dwindled to historic lows in recent years. In September, 2021, the U.S. announced that the maximum number of refugees admitted  to the country in 2022 will be increased to 125,000 - the highest number since 1993. In 2021, the U.S. welcomed refugees from 50 countries, with the vast majority arriving from the Democatic Republic of the Congo, Syria, Afghanistan, Ukraine and Myanmar.” (Source: UN Refugee Agency.) “Refugees are vetted more intensely than any other group seeking to enter the U.S. All those seeking to come here must first be registered by the United Nations refugee agency, which identifies the families most in need. The U.S. then hand-selects every person who is admitted.” (Source UN Refugee Agency.)

Reflection: Each one of these proposed 125,000 refugees represent a person filled with both hope and trepidation as they enter a new land, language, and customs. Any warm smile, gesture or kind act is a beacon of hope and encouragement to them. Do we see ourselves as living symbols of these words of welcome on the Statue of Liberty?: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”  Information and reflection from Helen Collins.  

Interested in joining the Peace and Justice Ministry?  Call Saralou Hendrickson at 314-440-2020