Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc.

On June 20, we celebrate World Refugee Day. It's a little known acknowledgment to individuals who display bravery and courage in the face of difficult circumstances. Talk to any individual that has had to flee their home and their story will offer a tiny glimpse into the strength that it must take to leave all that is familiar (even in the face of persecution) with no idea of your future. Yet, every year thousands do. The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants estimates that close to 80,000 refugees were resettled into the United States last year.   Migration is not easy and made more difficult when it includes forced migration. From the miles they are often forced to walk, to the years many spend in refugee camps, refugees demonstrate courage and strength in their journey. Many despite the horror of their situations continue to be hopeful and pray for peace and stability in their native countries so they can return. Those that resettle often face challenges with language, maneuvering the system, and learning a new culture and environment. While resettlement offers stability, the resettlement process is not easy. Cognizant of these challenges, it is important that receiving countries adopt humane and just policies that help to ease the transition and resettlement process for these individuals.   Refugees are afforded a special place in Catholic social teaching. Pope John XXII recalled "refugees cannot lose their rights simply because they are deprived of citizenship in their own states. And, Pope Pius the XII reminds us in Exsul Familia that the Holy Family of Nazareth, fleeing into Egypt, is the archetype of every refugee family. CLINIC recognizes the human dignity of all migrants and refugees and the challenges they face. A goal of easing the transition for refugees undergirds the creation of CLINIC's Citizenship and Civic Participation Project and the establishment of its National Asylee Information and Referral Hotline. Both of these efforts are designed to help refugees and other people on the move to increase their involvement in civic society and naturalize to U.S. citizens.   So, as we think about June 20, we should take a moment to express gratitude for the things we often take for granted; our homes, our friends, and our neighbors. We should also take a moment to consider those suffering around the world. The International Catholic Migration Commission advises: The ICMC reminds that we should see refugees first as human beings and recognize their courage and share their hope. In addition, we are all called to share the responsibility and help those that arrive on our shores.