April Response

Refugees and Global Migration

April 1998

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"Uprooted: Refugees and Global Migration" by Elizabeth G. Ferris

This article begins with a story of a mother separated from her children because of the violence of war and the necessity to seek refuge. It explores the meaning of "uprooted," the Biblical stories and mandate to care for strangers in our midst, the xenophobia that plagues society, and the changes needed to create a world of justice. Read this story.

"Migrant Women: Trapped with shattered Dreams" by Paul Jeffrey

When one woman left her native El Salvador for dreams of the United States, she was stopped in Mexico, robbed and raped, shipped to Guatemala and forced into slave-like prostitution. This experience isn’t unusual for approximately 10% of migrant women who are stopped and detained in Mexico. This article explores the situations of these women, the quest of an order of nuns to help them, and the ongoing trafficking of women.

"Searching for Family: Searching for Home" by Javier Vicencio

Thousands of people fled Central American countries in the 1980s, seeking asylum from political instability, ruined economies, and human rights violations. Today, the children who were left behind are coming to the United States in search of their parents. Las Americas Refugee Asylum Project steps in at this point. This article explores the work of this Women’s Division - supported project and the success and stories.

"Haitian Refugees: The Last in Line" by Lilia Fernandez

This article explores the plight of Haitian refugees; the quest and denial of asylum; the unequal treatment they have received compared to other refugees; and racism, which is at the heart of their treatment. Sidebars to the article also explore in-depth pending legislation about Haitian immigration and a profile of one instrumental Haitian United Methodist Women member. Read this article.

"Resettling in a New Land" by A. Victoria Hunter

When churches agree to sponsor a refugee family, everyone's lives changes. This article looks at churches from Portland, Ore., to Austin, Tx., to Reynoldsburg, Ohio, and other communities around the United States who decided to take on the responsibility. It explores how they prepared for the change, the difficulties the refugees faced, and stories of people from different countries and different towns in the United States that each received a special gift from acts of hospitality. Read this article.

"Bosnia: Those Who Can't Go Home" by Tequila Minsky

Far into Bosnia's countryside, a collective center in Moscanica has become a home to 400 uprooted people. Many still are afraid or unable to return home. This article looks at the difficult life for these isolated residents; the work of the United Nations and United Methodist Committee on Relief's (UMCOR) with the displaced persons; the obstacles of returning home; and how women are providing emotional support for their families and others.

"Bosnia: Youth Crossing the Line for Peace" by Tequila Minsky

This short article reveals the feelings of youth and their pursuit of peace. A town in which they grew up now has two names and a line that divides the town, which residents are prohibited from crossing. But youth meet at a center that sits on this line. This story looks at how together they are challenging the divisions.

"Bosnia: Kindergartens, A Place of Care, A Place of Healing" by Tequila Minsky

All the signs of a typical Kindergarten can be heard and seen in this classroom. However, this kindergarten is in Bosnia-Herzegovina, and these young children have been displaced because of violent incidents of war. This article looks at the issues of these children, the quest of the kindergarten to bring back their childhood, and how UMCOR is at work in this center.

"Liberian Women: Preparing to Go Home" by Yvette Moore

Liberian United Methodist women who are refugees in Ghana are preparing to go home through the Buduburam United Methodist church's vocational and academic training for women, children and youth. This story looks at the quest for life that these displaced persons faced; the training program and its purpose; and the quest for a nation's reconstruction.

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