Let’s show compassion

Imagine being on a long and perilous journey to the promised land of America. When arriving, you are tired, thirsty, cold and scared. Due to circumstances beyond your control, you were forced to leave the hometown where you grew up, leaving behind your possessions, your family, your friends, all you have known. When legally admitted into Texas, authorities put you on a bus.

Today as asylum-seekers and their children are dropped off at random bus stations around DuPage County and throughout the suburbs before being transferred to Chicago by train without being any threat to our communities, we have the opportunity to show respect and compassion as we would any other visitors. I am happy to learn that Immigrant Solidarity DuPage and some churches are collecting coats, hats and gloves to offer warm greetings to human beings in need. Rather than simply banning drop-offs, may we respond with compassion to their basic needs as America tries to develop an urgently-needed and workable immigration policy.

Jeff Gahris

Wheaton