Washington, DC – Jesuit Refugee Service/USA (JRS/USA) condemns the acts of several governors around the country who have bussed or flown migrants and asylum seekers to various parts of the country in recent weeks creating uncertainty for people who have already experienced significant hardship. Reports indicate that these families and individuals were given misinformation about their destination or the circumstances under which they were traveling. They deserve a chance for due process under the law, safe from manipulation.

“What we have seen over the last few weeks, and especially in the last few days, is a reprehensible trend of using vulnerable humans as political theater,” said Joan Rosenhauer, Executive Director at JRS/USA. “Pope Francis tells us that ‘Migrants and refugees are not pawns on the chessboard of humanity. They are children, women and men who leave or who are forced to leave their homes for various reasons.’”