Panama City, Panama, Aug 8, 2019 / 13:38 pm
The standing committee of the Panamanian bishops' conference has expressed its concern over a migration reform bill, asking that it be humane and respectful of the rights of immigrants and refugees.
They urged that immigrants and refugees not be seen as a threat, or blamed for the social ills affecting the country.
The bishops released their statement after the Government, Justice and Constitutional Affairs Commission of the National Assembly approved a bill seeking to establish tighter migration controls.
Zulay Rodríguez, the bill's sponsor, said that in recent years many foreigners have abused the good things about Panama, and taken jobs from Panamanians: "They've taken away and stolen from us our country. We're the excluded ones, so now we are going to make decisions."