Every Friday afternoon in Paris, an administrative support hotline run by the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) offers a vital resource for migrants navigating complex bureaucratic hurdles. I’m one of the volunteers, a Little Sister of the Assumption, who helps staff it.
From 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., we welcome individuals who are struggling with administrative formalities for various reasons. Our team of about ten volunteers is a vibrant mix of retirees, professionals, and students—both Christian and non-Christian. This diversity is powerful, demonstrating a shared belief in humanity and the principle that all foreigners deserve to be welcomed with dignity. That access to rights and justice must be guaranteed. As a Christian, I see this solidarity in action as a sign of hope in a world often focused on self-interest.
More Than a Number
By the time the hotline opens, a group of 10 to 20 people has typically already gathered. Many are Afghan men, often involved in other JRS programs, such as French classes or the WELCOME housing initiative. This integrated support is crucial. These individuals are not just numbers in a queue; we know and recognize each other. It’s a peaceful atmosphere, despite the often tragic nature of their stories. I’m constantly struck by their incredible patience, tenacity, and courage.
We meet with each person in pairs, which is a true blessing. Whatever the pairing, there is always a wonderful sense of complementarity. Each volunteer brings something essential:
- Legal knowledge (immigration, housing, health)
- Language skills (English, Spanish)
- Digital literacy
- Strong writing abilities for drafting formal claims and requests
This shared expertise reminds me of Christ sending his disciples out in pairs; alone, we are often at a loss.
The Journey of an Encounter
Every encounter is a unique and unpredictable human journey. People arrive with thick files, having brought every document they think they might need.
Our first step is to identify the problem, which can be challenging, especially when a language barrier is present. We chronologically reconstruct the facts, track what steps have already been taken, and retrieve login details for online platforms. Once the issue is clear, we propose a solution, explain it, and outline the next steps. I admire the clients who remain proactive and determined to solve their issues; they are not coming to be passively “taken care of.”
Through these meetings, we see lives doubly disrupted. Even after being granted refugee status in France, their lives remain precarious. While France grants asylum, the resources needed for rebuilding a life—especially access to housing—are scarce. The increasing digitalization and complexity of procedures, while intended for control, often strip away a sense of humanity and create massive burdens.
A Small, Essential Victory
When we succeed in resolving a situation, it feels like a small yet essential victory. A person finally has an address, access to healthcare, or a residency permit, allowing them to return to work. It is nothing extraordinary, yet it makes a future possible and desirable once again.
The ongoing harshness we see compels us to act in accordance with our preferential option for the poor. As Little Sisters of the Assumption, we are reminded that “Action on behalf of justice and participation in the transformation of the world fully appear to us as a constitutive dimension of the preaching of the Gospel.”
This post is also available in:
Spanish
