The recent executive order on immigration is more than just a headline for Providence St. Joseph Health. It hits close to home on a personal level.
More than 300 of our caregivers are nationals or dual nationals of the seven countries named in the executive order. These individuals are valued members of the Providence St. Joseph Health family.
They play a vital role in the health of those we serve, bringing highly needed, highly technical skills to our communities. Their work literally saves lives, and we express our profound gratitude for the contributions they make to our communities every day.
These individuals also include physicians who come here to learn the latest medical techniques, which in turn, allow them to advance health care in their home countries. It’s part of our commitment to improving health around the globe, especially in developing nations.
We know many of our affected caregivers are unclear and anxious about what this executive action means for them and their families. If you are one of these individuals, please know we are in solidarity with you and are monitoring the situation very closely to gain as much clarity as we can so we can support you.
Standing with refugees
This order is also concerning to us as a matter of social justice. As a Catholic not-for-profit health system, Providence St. Joseph Health embraces the teachings that call us to protect the vulnerable and respect the human dignity of all, including those fleeing war-torn nations.
The Catholic social teachings remind us:
“We are one human family whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic, and ideological differences. We are our brothers and sisters keepers, wherever they may be. Loving our neighbor has global dimensions in a shrinking world. … Our love for all demands that we promote peace in a world surrounded by violence and conflict.”
Providence St. Joseph Health stands with all who seek to escape violence and oppression, both at home and abroad. Our hope is that the confusion around this executive order is clarified as soon as possible and that the ban on refugees is lifted without delay.
