We are all migrants

Sudha Devi Nayak

Immigration policies are tightening all over the world, and countries with exploding populations, shrinking job scenes and diminishing resources would welcome people beyond their borders. They come in waves, fleeing their countries in dreadful panic to escape war, persecution and economic hardship, to seek a livelihood in peace and pursue their dreams. They come in rickety transport in dangerous conditions, victims of human trafficking who may end up dying en route. Many are detained in detention camps and deported without ceremony.

And, yet, our basic humanity calls for recognising the human in crisis. The 'Egyptian Book of the Dead' decrees, 'Thou shalt not oppress a stranger, for ye were once strangers in Egypt,' a famous command from the Hebrew Bible, asking people to treat outsiders with fairness and kindness, universal in application. Pope Leo identifies migrants, refugees and displaced persons as a litmus test for social justice. The modern nation-state emerged after the Treaty of Westphalia, following which 'cuius regio, eius religio' - whose realm, his religion - became the norm. Nations should keep their hearts open to those who flee violence and persecution. Compassion should guide us in supporting those less privileged than us.