Recently, 50 migrants were flown to Martha’s Vineyard, MA, by Florida governor Ron DeSantis. He claimed,” We are not a sanctuary state, and it is better to be able to go to a sanctuary jurisdiction, and yes, we will help facilitate that transport for you to be able to go to greener pastures.”

However, others saw DeSantis’ actions as a political stunt in which the arriving migrants were used as “pawns” to make a political point. Those who recently arrived were induced to travel under false pretenses, including work opportunities, schooling for their children, and immigration assistance.

Similar actions have been taken by Governors Greg Abbot of Texas and Doug Ducey of Arizona earlier this year in sending migrants to Washington, DC, Chicago, and New York City. Fortunately, for the moment, the recently arrived have been provided with food, shelter, and immediate social assistance.

The larger question that remains and goes beyond the legality of these actions is the moral responsibility of providing human dignity and civil rights to all people regardless of their race, religion, legal status, and country of origin.

A Faith That Does Justice supports the investigation of the legality of the recent actions of governors DeSantis, Abbot and Ducey, while at the same time calling for the federal government to intervene to assure the welfare of the large migrant population that continues to pass through our borders, as they flee the violence of their countries of origin and look for opportunities to provide a better life for themselves and their families.

Photo credit: The Vineyard Gazette