·       At this moment, over 16,000 unoccupied children are in custody

·       These children are placed in detention facilities – a perpetuation of “kids in cages”

·       The facilities are overcrowded, with unsafe conditions for any young child

·       As a national crisis, we see no clear plan or solution for uniting children with families

As professionals committed to the welfare and success of all people, we feel compelled to respond to the plight of thousands of refugee/immigrant children and adolescents along the southern border of the United States. 

•            The safety and well-being of ALL children are a basic human right.

•            Children and families belong together

•            Children, from infancy to teen years, cannot be used as political pawns 

•            We acknowledge the factors that have triggered of this recent wave of migration – causes that include extreme poverty, lack of opportunity, political persecution, environmental degradation, drug-fueled violence, abuse of women, and the role of our government in the economics and politics of other countries. 

•            We recognize the desperate circumstances that push parents to send their children alone across an international border to our country. 

•            We seek to understand the diverse personal, regional, group, and political perspectives that fuel the debate about immigration in the United States. 

•            We honor the long history and contributions of migrants and refugees to the development of the USA and acknowledge the need for essential workers in our farms, factories, service jobs, hospitals, and professions

•            We reject the notion that Children and families who want to become part of the USA are a national threat or a wave of criminals or COVID carriers 

•            Create and use talking points, based on accurate information, for conversations with family members, friends, co-workers, people of faith, politicians and others

•            Expand collaboration and partnership with organizations and others who share our concerns and passion

•            Contact elected representatives at all levels of government to urge them to act positively and creatively to implement short- and long-term humane solutions that benefit children and families caught in this crisis.

•            Support leaders who seek greater communication and collaboration, and who focus on solutions that benefit children and families in their native countries and address the root causes of migration.  

•            Call for immigration policies that achieve a sensible legal entry process, and paths to asylum, legal residency, and citizenship

•            Recognize the complexity of the situation while also calling for an orderly and humane process that respects children and family life

•            Be realistic that a “political process” is not a quick or easy fix; know that it will take time and the determined will of citizens and elected officials

•            While recognizing the current difficulties and hardships, keep in mind the long-term benefits and contributions of immigrants to our nation

•            In every step, fight xenophobia and arguments that foster division in communities and the nation

As spiritual, pastoral care, and mental health professionals, we are steadfast in our fundamental, universal call to “do no harm to a child.”  As American citizens we take responsibility to uphold basic rights and humane treatment for all children and families. As individuals and professionals, our joint voices and actions are a force for the greater good. We do this out of a sense of professional responsibility, personal compassion, and human respect.

At this time, voices and action are urgently needed. As a coalition, we pledge to move forward to concretely address a crisis that impacts thousands of children and families.