Media CenterCRS' New York Times Letter to the Editor on Immigration
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) staffer Rick Jones wrote a New York Times Letter to the Editor on the causes of immigration, responding to a previous New York Times article, The Heartache of an Immigrant Family. As the deputy regional director of global solidarity and justice in Latin America and the Caribbean, Mr. Jones has years of experience in Latin America and currently lives in El Salvador. He wrote:
To the Editor: As a resident of El Salvador, I was glad to see attention paid to the reasons for immigration to the United States, not just the results. El Salvador is one of the main sources of migrants to the United States. In my work on programs addressing agricultural development, youth unemployment and violence, I see why. The average minimum wage here is about $200 a month, but to feed a family of four costs at least $275. Fear of violence has caused an estimated doubling of the number of unaccompanied minors entering the United States from all countries in 2011 and 2012. I have seen the devastating effects on children who have been separated from their parents because of immigration. People tell me that they would prefer to stay if they could put food on the table and have a decent life for their families. American immigration reform must include efforts to reduce the problems that compel people to migrate: extreme poverty, high unemployment and violence. Such an amendment was under consideration in the latest reform proposal. RICK JONES San Salvador, Oct. 17, 2013
Related articles:
Deputy Director, Content Strategy
Based in Baltimore, MD
As Deputy Director for Content Strategy, Jim's priority is providing CRS audiences with strong stories and visuals about the people and communities CRS supports as they build a stronger future for themselves. He works with communications staff globally to ensure stories are told equitably thought photos, videos, social...More
