He must be part of the conspiracy

The Pope Just Weighed In On the Undocumented Children and Conservatives Won’t Like What He Said

By Jameson Parker

While conservatives spent the week holding anti-immigration rallies and patrolling the border with guns, Pope Francis spoke up for the undocumented children themselves.

In a message sent to the “Mexico/Holy See Colloquium on Migration and Development,” the pope asked that the U.S. government do everything it can to help and protect the tens of thousands of unaccompanied children stuck at the border.

The pope said his thoughts were with “the tens of thousands of children who migrate alone, unaccompanied, to escape poverty and violence.”  

He added, “this is a category of migrants …who cross the border with the United States under extreme conditions and in pursuit of a hope that in most cases turns out to be vain.”

The pope, who is from Argentina, acknowledged the desperate situations in Central America that the children are fleeing from, as well.

“Whether they are traveling because of poverty, or violence, or with the hope of reuniting with relatives on the other side of the border, it is urgent to protect them and help them because their vulnerability is greater and they are defenseless against any abuse or misfortune”.

Gov. Rick Perry (R-TX) and Faux News Sean Hannity didn't get the
Pope's message

The pope’s strong words are a far cry from what many in America have been advocating, particularly among the right. As the crisis has gotten worse, Republican politicians and pundits have been quick to smear the children as everything from moochers to gang members to disease-carriers. 

The vitriol has gotten so bad that organized right-wing movements have begun to spring up around the country to protest any consideration for the children. As far as many are concerned, America should drop the kids off on the outside of the border and let them fend for themselves in Mexico.

Last week, former Bundy Ranch supporters got back together so that they could “protect” the border from any more illegal immigrants entering the country. One militia leader instructed his followers, “If you see an illegal. You point your gun dead at him, right between his eyes, and you say ‘Get back across the border or you will be shot.”

A prospective site to house some of the children in Maryland was vandalized with threatening (albeit misspelled) messages.

As the government scrambles to find shelter for the kids, immigration opponents around the country have also rallied to keep the kids as far away as possible. In Michigan (where some of the kids may be taken for temporary housing), protesters marched through the streets carrying signs that told the children to “Go Home.”

The Detroit News reports that some in the crowd even carried assault rifles, a tactic being used more frequently.

“We’re not against kids,” organizer Tamyra Murray said, according to MLive. “We have sympathy for the kids being used and exploited by the feds.”

“Go Home. We’re full,” read one sign.

“No gang members. No terrorists,” read another.

Most demonstrators were from other towns, belonging to pro-gun and anti-illegal-immigration groups.

“We the people are standing up and saying we will not allow illegal immigration,” said Matt Krol, a Linden building contractor.

Pope Francis has a difference of opinion. He called for immigration reform, not deportation. Helping these particular kids isn’t enough if the underlying problems with immigration in America aren’t addressed.

“These measures, however, will not be sufficient, unless they are accompanied by policies that inform people about the dangers of such a journey and, above all, that promote development in their countries of origin,” he said. “Finally, this challenge demands the attention of the entire international community so that new forms of legal and secure migration may be adopted.”

It’s baffling to see how many in this country are handling this humanitarian crisis. Out of fear and xenophobia, the children – many not even teenagers yet – have been dehumanized and vilified. The pope is asking for people to reevaluate and approach the issue with compassion, not hatred. 

Helping kids is a moral responsibility and a sacred duty as well. America has the opportunity to do something truly beneficial, if only it has the courage to try.

Author: Jameson Parker - I cover US politics, social justice issues, and other current events which aren't getting the attention they deserve. Feel free follow or drop me a line on twitter.