The Network organized the first meeting for members of the Franciscan Network on Migration-USA in April. Twenty-nine individuals representing parishes and congregations including friars, sisters and lay workers joined in online. Fr. Julian Jagudilla and Fr. Jacek Orzechowski provided introductory comments and discussed the history of the Network, Executive Secretary Lori Winther gave an overview ot the objectives and activity of the Network, and Russell Testa discussed recent and proposed advocacy initiatives. Russell provided an update on where we are with the migration situation, specifically the anti-immigration stance of the current US administration, the impact of COVID-19, border issues, and upcoming Supreme Court decisions on DACA and TPS.
During the meeting, questions came up such as “What are we going to do as a Network?” and What will be our focus?” The RFM has asked all attending to consider the Network’s objectives and program areas over the next weeks, and think about what they can to contribute to the Network and what they need from the Network in order to forge a path forward together.
Our next meeting is planned for July 21, 2020.
