Frequently Asked Questions on Immigrants and Immigration

Provided by Central Pastoral Office for Hispanic Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

These answers are intended to be a resource for Disciples pastors, regional ministers and other leaders who are grappling with concerns and questions related to immigrants and immigration in local ministry.

What are the main reasons someone becomes undocumented?

While we often think of all the undocumented people as having sneaked into the country, 40 percent have merely stayed past the expiration of their visa. Many others were brought into the country without proper documentation by their parents. The rest found no other way to enter the country through our current system, and so came illegally.

What percentage of immigrants are Hispanics?

Thirty percent of all immigrants to the United States (and more than 50 percent of undocumented immigrants) in recent years have been from Mexico, which influences our view of immigration as an issue. Another 7 percent of all immigrants are from Central America, but around half of all American immigrants are not of Latin American or Caribbean descent, so we should not leave them out of the conversation. Many immigrants other than Hispanics are struggling with these same issues.

As I build relationships with immigrants, if I learn that someone is undocumented, do I have the duty to report them to law enforcement?

Short answer: No.

The longer answer is that there is no law that currently exits that requires citizens to report a known undocumented immigrant to any authority. Nor is there any law that exists that says citizens cannot welcome undocumented immigrants into their lives, drive them to doctors’ appointments, teach them English, watch their children and help them with their schoolwork, and advocate on their behalf. A believer can stand in full compliance to governmental authorities while still welcoming and building relationships with undocumented individuals and families. It is also important to recognize that there is no conflict between the submission to authority mandated in Romans 13 and serving undocumented immigrants: we can minister to immigrants’ physical needs, help to teach them English, share the good news of the gospel, and advocate for just policies that would better their situation, all without violating the law. Since we live in a democracy, we can advocate for immigration policies that are both welcoming of immigrants and maintain the importance of the rule of law. We can also seek justice as God commands (Micah 6:8) by addressing the structures of poverty that create the situations from which immigrants feel they must flee.

What are ethical, moral or legal boundaries when it comes to our interactions with undocumented immigrants?

It is important to note that while there is no duty to report, you cannot lawfully hire a known undocumented individual. A helpful clarification on this point is that while a church cannot hire someone who is undocumented, they can reimburse someone who is undocumented for any expenses incurred while volunteering (i.e. travel costs, purchasing of materials, etc.).

Why don’t people just get in the immigration line like other immigrants I know?

According to the August 2013 governmental reports (Visa Bulletin) our immigration services are now processing some visa applications for those from Mexico who filed an application 20 years ago in September 1993. So, for some Mexican nationals, right now the line is approximately 20 years long. Not all can apply for a visa either. The above “ideal” situation is for someone entering that was petitioned for by a family member. One can enter the county legally for certain employment, an advance degree or extraordinary abilities. There is a diversity visa lottery but that is only possible for “under-represented” countries. Refugee status can be sought for those fleeing persecution due to race, religion, national origin, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. And finally one can apply for family-based reasons. The reality is that there are people in our churches waiting for a legitimate family-based visa.

Why is the United States in a difficult immigration situation? Who is to blame?

U.S. immigration policies have not kept pace with global realities and our economy’s need for immigration. The last major reform came over 27 years ago.

Aren’t immigrants bad for the economy in the United States?

In a Wall Street Journal Study, 44 of 46 economists said they are in fact beneficial for the economy.

Do undocumented immigrants pay taxes? Don’t they become an undue burden on us without paying into the system?

In fact, 3 out of 4 undocumented workers do pay taxes and the government has taken in as much as $12 billion annually as a result.

What is a short summary of what the Bible says about how we should treat immigrants?

Matthew 25:35, is the most compelling passage, where Jesus says that by welcoming a stranger (in the original language, an alien to our land, an immigrant), we may be welcoming him.

I do hear people talk about “welcoming the stranger” but what does that really mean related to immigrants?  What do the ideas of hospitality and the immigrant have to with each other?  Aren’t these separate issues?

In the original language, the word hospitality literally means loving the stranger or the immigrant. We often think of hospitality as only having friends over for dinner or letting extended family stay at your house for the weekend, but it really means welcoming the stranger into your life. This theme of hospitality runs throughout Scripture and is tied directly to the practice of love of the stranger/immigrant.

Aren’t there other groups to whom we should be showing our compassion who are in greater danger and need than immigrants?

Repeatedly in Scripture, God shows his heart specifically for the “triad of the vulnerable” including the immigrant, the orphan, and the widow. Through the Psalmist he said: “God watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless, and deprive the foreigners among you of justice” with adulterers, sorcerers, saying each will face God’s judgment. God commanded his people not to mistreat or oppress an immigrant precisely because “they know what it’s like to be an immigrant, because they were immigrants in the land of Egypt.” God’s people are called to “Treat them (the immigrant) as if they were native-born”.

As a pastor/or leader, if someone in my church has immigration issues or legal questions they need advice on, how should I respond?

First, it is not wise to try to resolve these issues on your own. As Disciples we have embraced immigration justice seriously. Our general ministries have funded the position of immigration legal counsel, housed in Disciples Home Missions, to help us with immigration law. Our attorney is Tana-Liu-Beers. You can send e-mail to tana@dhm.disciples.org. She also has a website: www.disciplesimmigration.org

Is there is an easy reading and thoughtful book about immigration?

The book is “Welcoming the Stranger” by Matthew Soerens & Jenny Hwang – ISBN 978-0-8308-3359-7

Other resources:
Refugee and Immigration Ministries website www.discipleshomemissions.org/refugee-immigration-ministries

Adapted from materials produced by the Wesleyan Church


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These resources provide education and links that help families and congregations build awareness of our dependence upon the gifts and energies of farmworkers; especially as…

Dreamers Welcome At the Table

As we prepare soon to gather around tables again and again during the holiday season, Disciples Refugee & Immigration Ministries invites your congregation and members…

Haitian TPS Alert

Dear Disciples Friend, Right now, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is considering whether or not to extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians in…

Christian Leaders Arrested for Peaceful Capitol Hill Protest in Support of Dream Act

Disciples are among Christian leaders and activists who held hands and sang in an unlawful demonstration inside of the Russell Senate office building in Washington,…

Praying with Dreamers Week #Faith4Dream Oct. 29 – Nov. 4

Prepare now to plan Dream Sabbath Events! Check out these resources for ways you can participate.

Rev. Sharon Stanley-Rea Among DC-Area Clergy to Hold White House Rally to Save TPS ​​

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, October 17th at 11 a.m., local interfaith clergy will host a rally to call on the Trump administration to preserve Temporary…

Reflections from Conference on Migration, Borders & Reception

The Rev. Sharon Stanley-Rea traveled to Italy to participate in “Living and Witnessing the Border.” An International Conference on Migration, Borders and Reception, September 29…

Join October 2nd Immigration & Refugee Webinar and participate in Dream Sabbath

Join the Interfaith Immigration Coalition for this webinar to learn how communities of faith can participate in “Dream Sabbath” events that lift up the stories,…

RIM Wrap: Sept. 28 Refugee Program

Please Help Stop the Dismantling of the U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program and Share Your Heart to Welcome Refugees A Refugee Admissions Goal of 45,000 Is…

Sept. 27 CWS Press Release on Refugee Resettlement Program

CONGRESSWOMAN SCHAKOWSKY,  FAITH LEADERS, AND REFUGEES URGE CONGRESS TO STOP TRUMP FROM SHUTTING THE DOOR ON REFUGEES On morning of the Trump administration’s consultation with…

Sharon Stanley-Rea on DACA Decision

Hear from Rev. Sharon Stanley-Rea in an interview with Sojourners on September 5, decision about DACA.

General Minister and President offers thoughts about DACA

On Tuesday, Sept. 5, the U.S. administration announced an end to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program that has protected children brought to…

Urgent: DACA & TPS Recipients at Great Risk: Ways Disciples Can Help!

Please sign the faith letter & call your leaders today & tomorrow to urge DACA not to be ended, join our DACA & TPS Emergency…

“Immigrant Welcoming” Resolution Passes at General Assembly

On Monday, July 10th, Disciples Refugee & Immigration Ministries’ Director joined with Immigration Legal Counsel, the National Benevolent Association, the Central Pastoral Office office of…

Webinars on July 10th & 13th

Join the webinar on July 10th and 13th to help immigrants and learn about sanctuary. July 10 Interfaith Immigration Coalition Webinar “5 Ways We Can…

General Assembly Alerts

Go here for Summer Recess Toolkit and Alerts for Refugees, Immigrants, Farmworkers, and TPS Recipients. Summer Action Grassroots Toolkit Disciples: Call to Support Refugees Now!…

Families Rally in Front of White House to Protest Trump Administration’s Aggressive Tactics to Deport Loved Ones to Cambodia

RIM’s Director (a board member with Southeast Asian Resource Action Center) was grateful to join this a.m. in speaking at Press Conference outside the White…

Faith Leaders Stand Against Scotus Ruling on Refugee and Muslim Ban Executive Order

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 26, 2017 CONTACT: media@cwsglobal.org | 202.733.5151 FAITH LEADERS STAND AGAINST SCOTUS RULING ON REFUGEE AND MUSLIM BAN EXECUTIVE ORDER Call on…

Disciples Statement in Response to Supreme Court Ruling re: Refugee and Muslim Bans

Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins, General Minister and President, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and Rev. Dr. Ronald Degges, President, Disciples Home Missions “Disciples are a…

From Student Visa to Green Card

From Student Visa to Green Card is now scheduled for Monday, July 10 at 5:00 p.m.— Calling all seminary students! Please join Disciples Immigration Legal…

CWS Statement on 9th Circuit Court of Appeals Ruling Against President Trump’s Rewritten Refugee Ban ​

“The courts have spoken yet again in favor of justice and humanity. As CWS has maintained since January, President Trump’s ill-advised travel ban should never…

4th Circuit Federal Appeals Court Upholds Block on Trump’s Travel Ban

The Disciples RIM Staff celebrates the 4th Circuit Appeals Court ruling in Richmond, Va. on May 25 that upheld a lower court ruling which had…

#ToImmigrantsWithLove

Join the new #ToImmigrantsWithLove letter writing campaign, sponsored by Define American and I Am An Immigrant.  Through it, you can write an electronic letter that…

New! Refugees Welcome Summer Legislator Postcard!!

Please deliver to, scan and email, or mail your national, state, and local legislators these postcards that indicate your support for refugees, and share how…

More Than 400 Faith Leaders & Organizations Nationwide Urge Support for Haitians at Risk for Deportation

Call on DHS Secretary Kelly to extend Temporary Protected Status for Haiti for another 18 months WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 2, 2017) — CWS and Catholic…

Stop DHS From Deporting Somalis

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has recently apprehended, detained and deported Somali individuals back to their home country. These Somalis are asylum seekers, asylees,…

Disciples and United Church of Christ Holy Season Statement on Violence in the Middle East and Refugees

In the beginning of Holy Week, marking the entry of Jesus to Jerusalem, his suffering and his death, we watch with sadness and grief the…

Disciples Rally 4 Family Justice

Join us in unity at the start of General Assembly in Indianapolis on Saturday, July 8, 2017, from 3 to 5 p.m., for a Disciples…

Statement on Violence in the Middle East and Refugees

Disciples and United Church of Christ Holy Season Statement on Violence in the Middle East and Refugees In the beginning of Holy Week, marking the…