HOUSES OF WORSHIP
Sampson Discussed Central American Migration
Davidson College Associate Professor of Anthropology and Chair of Latin American Studies Rev. Dr. Matt Sampson gave a presentation entitled: “Making Sense of Central American Migration.” Sampson suggested that migration from Central America is a complex humanitarian issue that transcends the narrow political discourse driving the policy initiatives of the current administration. He provided an open Question and Answer opportunity throughout his presentation, and those in attendance stayed actively engaged, asking him a wide variety of questions.
The Davidson College Presbyterian Church Social Justice Committee hosted the presentation as a part of their ongoing educational and informational sessions.
Sampson based his presentation in part on his role in a June visit of a Presbyterian Church – USA (PCUSA) study team to Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala. His presentation highlighted the “push” factors driving migration from Central America. Those factors are as varied as violence, development economics, and climate change. The discussion also included the current approach to detention and applications for asylum on the Mexico-US border, and the proposal for third country asylum.
Sampson and the other members of the study team are scheduled to make a report to next year’s PCUSA General Assembly in Baltimore.