Si Dios Quiere … Inshallah … If God Wills It
“After I leave my monthly ICE check in—si Dios quiere—I have an appointment…” it was one of those ordinary conversations that revealed the extraordinary – in this case, extraordinarily sad. We were in the kitchen together, preparing breakfast. She was sharing her plans for the day. “After I leave my ICE check-in“ is really understood as “IF I leave my ICE check-in.” If God wills it… If everything works out… If I am allowed to leave and not detained…
She has frequent check-ins because her ankle monitor was only removed when domestic violence made it unsafe for her to be so easily tracked. Weekly check-ins with ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) are now monthly, but each one is filled with fear. She takes her baby with her each time in the hope that IF they are detained, they will be allowed to stay together; and IF they are allowed to return to Bethany House, she has an appointment that afternoon with her lawyer.
Bethany House of Hospitality offers housing and support services to young immigrant women as they journey toward greater independence. As director, I am privileged to share the ordinary and extraordinary moments of daily life with young women who are seeking asylum in the United States. Since its opening in October 2017, Bethany House has welcomed more than 135 women with 52 children from 30 countries in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and South and Central America.
All of the women who come to Bethany House are fleeing violence, domestic abuse, human trafficking and/or other violations of their human dignity. Good Samaritans they met on their way directed them to Bethany House which could offer a respite of peace, healing and support on their journey. While we strive to create a peaceful beloved community among women from many nations in the house, fear is an ever-present reality when they step outside—and more so than ever now in Chicago. Masked ICE officers and other federal agents patrol the streets and neighborhoods and snatch people into unmarked cars or vans which whisk them away into the growing immigrant detention system. Their only crime is appearing “foreign” or speaking a language other than English.
Like the vast majority of immigrants, they came into the country through legal channels available at the time or were cleared to live in the country as their asylum petition is processed. Now, instead of being recognized as victims, they are accused, in broad generaliziations based only on their place of birth, of being criminals threatening our society. Their legal rights are suspended and their human dignity is denied.
How can the Church, in this time of Jubilee, deepen its commitment to be a welcoming and inclusive home for all?
The Jubilee reminds us that we are all pilgrims together on this journey. Any denial of human dignity diminishes us all. Rather than be overwhelmed by the suffering of our brothers and sisters, however, let us take action. Like the Good Samaritan acknowledging the humanity of the vulnerable foreigner along the way, let us each be the one who reaches out in compassion, shares our resources and enlists others to help restore the dignity of the one in need. Let us be the ones to raise the questions, “What is our parish or community doing to welcome the immigrant? How can I help?” In the words of Ghandi, “let us each become the change we want to see.” The journey to transformation begins with changing our own hearts.
Sr. Kathlyn Mulcahy, OP has ministered at Bethany House of Hospitality since 2019. She also serves on the leadership team of her congregation, the Dominican Sisters of Springfield.
