PROVIDENCE — Citing the United States’ inability to “absorb large numbers of migrants, and in particular, refugees, into its communities” without compromising the resources available for American citizens, President Donald Trump signed an order realigning the refugee admissions program on Jan. 20. In response to this order, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) on April 7 decided not to renew its agreements with the federal government regarding immigration.
This puts the Diocese of Providence in a difficult position. Over the years, the USCCB has helped fund refugee resettlement throughout the diocese. As secretary for Catholic Charities and Social Ministry, James Jahnz spoke to Rhode Island Catholic on the changes this withdrawal of funds could have on local refugee resettlement programs.
“We are one of three accredited refugee resettlement agencies in the state,” he said. Since last October, the diocese has taken in 35 refugees and was slated to receive 70 more before the announcement in January halted immigration.
“Going forward, things are going to be up in the air,” he added, but the diocese will continue to support those already living in the state. “We won’t not serve the people God called us to, that the Holy Father called us to serve.”
He noted how Pope Francis spoke about the Holy Family as refugees themselves, and that Christians have a duty to welcome the immigrant in their midst. He also pointed out that everyone who comes through the diocesan program has been vetted by the government through background checks, etc.
Over the past few years, around 450 men, women and children were rehomed in the Ocean State. These immigrants came from places like Liberia, Afghanistan and Central and South America. “They’re escaping places beset by war, beset by political strife, beset by horrific crimes … that’s why it’s so important that we welcome them,” Jahnz said.
Acclimating to a new culture and often a new climate can be a struggle for these refugees.
Diocesan representatives often pick them up at T.F. Green International Airport in Warwick -— some of whom arrive on a cold New England night without appropriate winter clothing — and drive them to a new apartment. Throughout the first 90 days of their arrival, workers help refugees secure jobs, register their children for school, enroll in English classes and so forth to build new lives in this foreign land.
Jahnz emphasized: “The people who are coming here, they’re human, each one of them has … infinite and transcendent dignity” and should be welcomed as Jesus said in Matthew 25, whichguides the immigration resettlement program in the diocese.”
A “number of parishes … go beyond the 90 days” to aid these new arrivals. He expressed his thanks to these parishes and volunteers and stressed how important their role is and how their assistance will be greatly needed going forward.
“We know that these weeks, months, years, will look different for a while in how we’re able to serve people that we’re called to serve.”
However, Jahnz said, “Our diocesan commitment to care for these families is steadfast and we’ll figure out a way.”
