“Share Your Story So They Can See You Are Not an ‘Alien’.” Bishop Mark Seitz Visits Migrant Clients

Bishop Mark Seitz of Diocese of El Paso, TX and chairman for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Committee on Migration visited Catholic Charities Boston’s Yawkey Center ESOL program and St. Ambrose Family Shelter in Dorchester on March 2.

Bishop Seitz met with program staff and clients to hear more about their experiences, from their journeys to arrive in the United States to challenges with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and finding work, in order to be a better advocate for meaningful policies and humane care for migrants.

One man shared the harrowing story of crossing the Darién Gap alongside his 10 year-old-son to resettle to the United States from Venezuela. The 66-mile route is considered one of the most dangerous regions in the world, where migrants face the threat of violence and robbery while working their way through a swamp-filled jungle. Not all who travel the Darién Gap survive the journey. Bishop Seitz encouraged clients to learn the English language as quickly as they can in order to tell their stories. “Get to know those who live here. Share your story so that others can see you are not an ‘alien’. We are praying for you.”