Justice Bulletin Board

 

Migrant Farm Workers

 

During the past weeks, we’ve heard Jesus refer to himself as the “Good Shepherd” and the “Gate” for the sheep.  We also have heard many other references in the Gospels to farming images, like “vines”, “fig trees”, “sowing seeds” and “harvesting”.  We who in most cases live far removed from a rural life style, have little experience with shepherds or farmers.  This is the case because in most cases it is not our own labor, but rather the labor of tens of thousands of migrant farm workers who provide us with fresh fruits and vegetables all season long.  As the growing season begins in North Carolina we are called to be aware of the hidden and difficult lives of these men and women who are Christ’s presence among us.  Christ journeys with them as they search for a more hopeful future and a welcoming community.  In committing ourselves to the service of all uprooted people, we build up the Kingdom of God.

Did you know?

·         North Carolina migrant workers are sometimes exposed to heat indices of 105-110 degrees without the opportunity to adequately hydrate or cool down?

·         North Carolina migrant workers regularly suffer skin and respiratory infections from exposure to pesticides.

·         Sometimes babies born to farm worker families suffer severe birth defects and death as a result of the pesticide exposure of their parents.

 What can I do?

·         Be informed and speak out in support of the following farmworker justice issues:

o        Labor law, and wage and hour reforms, and better enforcement of current laws for agricultural workers;

o        Immigration reforms to help undocumented workers adjust to legal status

o        Restoration of federal benefits to legal immigrants;

o        Support for adequate federal and state funding for rural housing, and for existing programs such as migrant health, English as a second language instruction and education and enforcement of the laws which govern the use of pesticides. .

·         Sign up to help this summer when St. Andrew prepares meals and serves the migrant farm workers.  It is a joyful experience.

·         When you buy fresh fruits and vegetables, think of those who harvested them and say a prayer for them and their families.  Advocate on their behalf when possible.

·         Study the web site of our US Catholic Bishops www.justiceforimmigrants.org.  It is filled with current information on legislation and the position of our US Catholic Bishops on the subject of immigration.