Washington D.C., Jul 16, 2017 / 05:01 am
With the United States government's cap on refugees having been reached for the year, the nation's bishops have issued a plea to the Trump administration to increase the limit in a time of a global refugee crisis.
"Now, these vulnerable populations will not be able to access needed protection and will continue to face danger and exploitation," said Bishop Joe S. Vasquez of Austin July 14.
"Pope Francis reminds us that 'refugees are not pawns on the chessboard of humanity.' We must be mindful that every refugee is more than just a number, they are a child of God."
Speaking in his role as chair the US bishops' conference Committee on Migration, Bishop Vasquez said he reacted with sadness to the news that the new refugee admissions cap of 50,000 people had been reached for this year.