The Catholic Church has a long and rich history of promoting and protecting the dignity and basic rights of refugees and migrants throughout the world. The following resources offer us educational tools to unpack this complex issue, as well as action opportunities to promote comprehensive policies. For additional background information on migration, be sure to visit the Catholic Relief Services Migration Policy Page.

THE LINE IN THE SAND:
Stories from the U.S./Mexico Border

Developed in partnership between Catholic Relief Services and Villanova University’s Masters of Theatre Program, THE LINE IN THE SAND uses the power of theater to tell the personal stories of people affected by U.S./Mexico border migration. Through an hour-long collection of monologues and photos, audiences are exposed to a variety of points of view on this complex and critical issue. The piece is available both in DVD format or as a script for local performances.

The Justice for Immigrants Campaign: A Journey of Hope

The Catholic campaign for immigration reform, Justice for Immigrants: A Journey of Hope, contains numerous resources for education, prayer, advocacy, and general information. You can also join the Immigrant Justice Action Network in order to stay informed and further support comprehensive immigration reform.

Lives for Sale

From Maryknoll Productions and Lightfoot Films, Inc., this one-hour investigative documentary exposes the painful, rarely seen human side of illegal immigration—including the growing black market trade in human beings.

Prayer and Reflection for Refugees

Lift up the 11 million people displaced from their homes and communities through this prayer service. (pdf)

CRS Migration Discussion Guides

The World on Campus – Migration
From Renew International and CRS, here is a reflection tool for small faith sharing groups that opens up a discussion on migration through the lenses scripture, prayer and Catholic social teaching.

So What’s Migration?
Here is an introduction to migration issues along with powerful stories from people on the move.

Strangers No Longer
Here is a discussion guide to the joint pastoral letter of the Catholic Bishops of Mexico and the United States.

Prayer Service for Immigrants From Latin America
Come gather in prayer for our brothers and sisters from Latin America.

Border Issues
Study the hard truth found at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Migration Action Opportunities
Great ways to get involved.

More U.S. Catholic Links on Migration

Links to resources related to migration from Catholic agencies as well as other national and international organizations.

• Catholic Relief Services Latin America and Caribbean Country Programs
• Jesuit Refugee Services
• United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Migration and Refugee Services
• United States Conference of Catholic Bishops “Strangers No Longer” PastoralLetter
• United States Conference of Catholic Bishops”Welcoming the Stranger Among Us; Unity in Diversity”

National & International Links on Migration

• American Friends Service Committee
• Johns Hopkins Protection Project
• Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service
• Migration Policy Institute
• National Immigration Forum
• United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
• United Nations Refugee Agency

“We stand in solidarity with you, our immigrant brothers and sisters, and will continue to advocate on your behalf for just and fair migration policies.” ~from “Strangers No Longer: Together on the Journey of Hope” A Pastoral Letter Concerning Migration from the Catholic Bishops of Mexico and the United States.