Written by: Sister Elaine Betoncourt, CSJ
June 10, 2013
Upon arriving at 8:30 a.m. at this beautiful center, we were
once again warmly welcomed by our Laredo brothers and sisters. We felt honored
and delighted to learn that June 10, 2013 was proclaimed ‘Nuns on the Bus
Immigration Reform Day in Laredo, Texas” by both the City of Laredo and Webb
County. Mayor Raul G Salinas and Webb County Judge Danny Valdez proudly read
the proclamation.
I want to share one quote from the proclamation: “Whereas,
our nation’s current immigration system is broken, leaving families separated
and children without their parents; weakening our economy, and not reflecting
our national values, we believe our Congress must create new immigration laws
that strengthen our nation’s economy and that recognize the importance of
immigrants’ many contributions to the social and economic fabric of the United
States of America; . .”
In addition to the mayor and the county judge, there were
several other local dignitaries and clergy who came out early to meet and greet
us and welcome us to Laredo.
We heard some heartrending stories, stories of immigrant
women and children living in domestic violence situations, being preyed upon by
fraudulent notarios who promise help
but don’t deliver. We discovered that many immigrants are held hostage by their
abusers, and are told that they will be reported to the immigration
authorities, if they try to report any abuse. Children are witnessing all of
this violence and it is feared that as they grow older they will continue a
cycle of abusive behavior. THIS MUST STOP with comprehensive immigration reform
NOW.
On a bright note, we learned of the wonderful work done at
the Education Center by the Sisters of Mercy and their many colleagues. We
heard of the good relationships and cooperation between the folks at the Center
and the local police, border patrol and ICE officials who all work together to
aid and protect all the people living in Laredo.
Our visit ended with a beautiful blessing for the Nuns on the
Bus and for the passage of comprehensive immigration reform. I was awed by the
moment of profound silence in the room as each person prayed a blessing in the
quiet of each one’s own heart. And I was touched by the warm affection of the
children who were generous with their hugs as we departed on route to our next
destination, El Paso.
