Estimated 250,000 migrants entered Miami past 18 months, says Radio y Televisión Martí

Some 250,000 immigrants arrived in Miami in the last 18 months, which has caused difficulties for the city's churches to provide assistance to so many people, indicated a report by Radio y Televisión Martí this Friday.

In many cases, the church is the first home for these mostly Cuban, Nicaraguan, Venezuelan and Haitian migrants who come to the city with the intention of building a new life in a free society.

However, the early days are difficult and they come for help to institutions that could offer shelter.

Currently, Miami churches are facing a massive migratory wave, and are perpetually offering food, clothing, housing assistance and even legal advice to those who arrive.

In an interview with ADN América, Rescue Church Pastor David Monduy said some of the center's classrooms have been turned into temporary migrant shelters.

"One of the philosophies we have within the Church is that we cannot turn our backs on necessity (...) And that is the real Gospel, which has to do with how we can be the arms of the Lord for people," Monduy explained.

The parish priest added that they have had to place mattresses on the floor so that people can sleep at night, at least for a while.

Currently, 20 migrants sleep in the Iglesia Rescate, but this year more than 180 have passed through, confirmed Monduy.

The Archbishop of Miami, Thomas Wenski, in statements to Radio Televisión Martí expressed frustration that temporary work permits were not being granted to migrants, suggesting the situation places a challenging economic strain on the clergy and metropolitan area.

"It's completely irrational that they don't grant work permits. Because of that, the government can make an even not-so-bad situation worse," he said.