Fullness

 
Fullness severely restricted. Often at risk of violence or exploitation these vulnerable populations need to be provided the support needed so that they can thrive.
Migrant Children are one of the most vulnerable migrant populations, open as they are to exploitation and abuse. Special protections should be given to them to ensure their safety and well-being. To learn more about what the Church is doing to support child migrants, please click here.
•    Undocumented immigrants are often referred to as "living in the shadows." Their marginal status has led advocates for reform to call for a legalization process that will bring them out of the shadows and provide them with the opportunity to contribute to society and live out their lives in dignity. To learn how you can help the bishops pass comprehensive immigration reform, please visit the Justice for Immigrants website.
•    All too many Refugees who are left mired in refugee camps around the world never have the opportunity to realize the full potential of their God-given skills and talents. Long term solutions need to be implemented so that refugees are not forced to remain in camps but can reintegrate into society and become contributing members of it. Click here to learn how you can support the refugee resettlement system in the United States. 
Enslaved and treated like objects for profit rather than as human beings, victims of human trafficking require liberation from their bondage and support to help them start anew. Those who enslaved them need to be brought to justice and punished accordingly so that they will not have the opportunity to hurt anyone else in the future. Find out more about Human Trafficking and what you can do to spread awareness during National Migration Week and beyond.
It is our call as the Church to bring the light of Christ to these populations, banish the darkness, and help to bring them from the margins of society to its center. Doing so will provide vulnerable migrants with a protected space in which they can flourish as human beings. This requires prayer for those who are marginalized, alongside an active presence in the public square to demand that protections are provided to those who need them most.
In the coming weeks we plan on providing a number of resources that reflect on the central theme for this year's National Migration Week.  Please check back regularly to see what new resources are available for your use.  Some of these items will be available for download only while others will be available in bulk for a nominal cost through the USCCB Bookstore. If there are resources that you think would be helpful for your ministry, please contact us and we will do what we can to meet your needs.  To purchase National Migration Week materials, please visit the USCCB Bookstore on-line.  You can also find links to order each of the 2014 National Migration Week materials below.
Merciful and loving Father,
you provided for your people Israel in their exodus
from slavery
a promised land that you established for them,
and in Jesus Christ you provide welcome refuge for all
in need.
We ask for your divine protection for all migrants
who have left their homes in search of new
opportunity in another land.
For refugees, who are forced from their homes due to
threats of violence,
we beseech you to provide them a safe haven.
For migrants trafficked into slavery,
grant them rescue, healing, and the strength to
start again.
For immigrants, who so often leave their family and
friends behind,
grant them a better life and greater opportunity
elsewhere.
We pray in particular for your protection over migrant
children who are vulnerable to exploitation and abuse
at the hands of others.
We implore you to grant all migrants your protection
and lead them to a place of safety.
Be with all those in need with your power to save.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the
Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever Amen