Panamanian bishops ask for humane, respectful domestic immigration reform
FREE Catholic Classes
The standing committee of the Panamanian bishops' conference has expressed its concern over a migration reform bill, asking that it be humane and respectful of the rights of immigrants and refugees.
Highlights
Catholic Online (https://www.catholic.org)
8/9/2019 (4 years ago)
Published in Americas
Panama City, Panama, (CNA) - They urged that immigrants and refugees not be seen as a threat, or blamed for the social ills affecting the country.
The bishops released their statement after the Government, Justice and Constitutional Affairs Commission of the National Assembly approved a bill seeking to establish tighter migration controls.
Zulay RodrĂguez, the bill's sponsor, said that in recent years many foreigners have abused the good things about Panama, and taken jobs from Panamanians: "They've taken away and stolen from us our country. We're the excluded ones, so now we are going to make decisions."
In their statement, the bishops recognized that the debate on the migration law reforms "has created tension among some sectors of society." However, they called for not seeing migrants as a threat since "they're people looking for better conditions for their lives because of forced displacement, human trafficking, violence, poverty, political persecution, and terrorism."
"We can't hold them responsible for the social ills affecting us as a country. Instead we should seek ways of encounter, dialogue, and peace that make us grow in fraternity and solidarity," they said.
The Panamanian bishops said they are "aware of the need of the Panamanian state for a comprehensive migration policy that respects the rights and dignity of migrants and refugees."
However, they pointed out that "this requires an analysis based on official data, the revision of current laws and decrees on migration, in order to adopt public migration policies that guarantee peace, solidarity with the helpless, security, and mutual respect between all the inhabitants of our country."
Panama "has historically been a been a country of transit, consisting of migrations, some forced and others driven by the search for a better quality of life."
They recalled that the country "has always kept its arms open to receive people from all over the world and this spirit of solidarity and fraternity must be strengthened, especially at this time."
---
'Help Give every Student and Teacher FREE resources for a world-class Moral Catholic Education'
Copyright 2021 - Distributed by Catholic Online
Join the Movement
When you sign up below, you don't just join an email list - you're joining an entire movement for Free world class Catholic education.
-
Mysteries of the Rosary
-
St. Faustina Kowalska
-
Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary
-
Saint of the Day for Wednesday, Oct 4th, 2023
-
Popular Saints
-
St. Francis of Assisi
-
Bible
-
Female / Women Saints
-
7 Morning Prayers you need to get your day started with God
-
Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Cinco de Mayo - What is the day really about?
-
Cinco de Mayo, the Fifth of May: A Day to Celebrate Heritage and History
-
Chaplain Reveals Unrest at Columbia University Caused by Communists
-
Discovering Who We Are: God's Truth in Scripture
-
Pope Francis Advises Parish Priests on Fostering a Missionary Church
Daily Catholic
- Daily Readings for Monday, May 06, 2024
- St. Dominic Savio: Saint of the Day for Monday, May 06, 2024
- Nurse's Prayer: Prayer of the Day for Monday, May 06, 2024
- Daily Readings for Sunday, May 05, 2024
- St. Hilary of Arles: Saint of the Day for Sunday, May 05, 2024
- Padre Nuestro - Our Father (Lord's Prayer): Prayer of the Day for Sunday, May 05, 2024
We ask you, humbly: don't scroll away.
Hi readers, it seems you use Catholic Online a lot; that's great! It's a little awkward to ask, but we need your help. If you have already donated, we sincerely thank you. We're not salespeople, but we depend on donations averaging $14.76 and fewer than 1% of readers give. If you donate just $5.00, the price of your coffee, Catholic Online School could keep thriving. Thank you.Help Now >
Copyright 2024 Catholic Online. All materials contained on this site, whether written, audible or visual are the exclusive property of Catholic Online and are protected under U.S. and International copyright laws, © Copyright 2024 Catholic Online. Any unauthorized use, without prior written consent of Catholic Online is strictly forbidden and prohibited.
Catholic Online is a Project of Your Catholic Voice Foundation, a Not-for-Profit Corporation. Your Catholic Voice Foundation has been granted a recognition of tax exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Federal Tax Identification Number: 81-0596847. Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law.