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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Disciples Statement Against End of TPS for Nepalese
April 26, 2018“With timing that has painfully come the very day following the devastating earthquakes in Nepal three years ago, we stand as faith partners together with…
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Disciples Join Faith Partners in Refugee Foot Washing to Hold Administration Accountable for Record Low Refugee Arrivals
March 29, 2018Washington, D.C. – Faith leaders held a footwashing service in the shadow of the White House this afternoon.The biblical practice of footwashing is part of…
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Disciples of Christ Respond to Announced End of Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for Liberians
March 28, 2018“I continue to be deeply disturbed by the random choices that this administration makes in removing TPS and other protected statuses. Last night’s decision to…
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Liberian “Deferred Enforced Departure” (DED) Resources
March 23, 2018The current designation of “Deferred Enforced Departure” (DED) that is currently protecting nearly 4,000 Liberians in the U.S. is set to expire on MARCH 31st…
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4 Urgent Ways to Support Refugees Now
March 20, 20181) REFUGEE ARRIVALS TO THE U.S. IN THIS FISCAL YEAR HAVE BEEN STAGGERINGLY LOW! Please help us circulate the below faith leader & faith-based organization…
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New RIM Resources
March 7, 2018Now Available! Disciples Black Immigrant and Refugee Toolkit! For a compilation of resources to help your congregation build awareness of and assist Black refugees and…
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Indianapolis Disciples of Christ Clergy Join with Other Faith Leaders in Vigil & Civil Disobedience in Support of Dreamers & Immigrant Families
March 6, 2018Today, seven Disciples affiliated clergy, Rev. Linda McCrae, Rev. Carolyn Higginbotham, Rev. Jim Higginbotham, Rev. Jon Barnes, Rev. Dawn Barnes, Rev. Sandra Gourdet, and Rev….
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Disciples GMP Urges a Solution for Dreamers Who Remain in Limbo
March 5, 2018On this day when the President proclaimed DACA protections would end unless a Congressional decision was reached, dreamers remain insecure in the absence of a…
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Ash Wednesday Service with Dreamers
February 14, 2018Faith Leaders Performed Ash Wednesday Service with Dreamers in Front of Senator McConnell’s and Schumer’s Office to Demand Passage of Dream Act Washington, D.C. (February…
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RIM Lenten Resources
February 12, 2018Nine Immigration Themed Resources for Lent Encouraging Faith Commitments in Solidarity with Refugees & Immigrants. Go to 2018 Lenten Devotions.
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Disciples & Interfaith Toolkit: Top 5 Ways to Take Action NOW in 2018
January 17, 2018On Jan. 8, 2018, DHS terminated TPS for El Salvador, effective Sept. 9, 2019. As communities of faith, we urge the administration to reinstate TPS…
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Week of Action – Jan. 27 to Feb. 3, 2018
January 17, 2018One Year of Muslim & Refugee Bans: Showing Up Against Discrimination. toolkit and resources
Read more >Clergy, Impacted Immigrants, Faith & Labor Leaders Demand that DHS Extends TPS for 200K Salvadoran Immigrants
January 5, 2018Rev. Sharon Stanley-Rea, was among the participants on a press call January 4, to urge the Department of Homeland Security to extend Temporary Protected Status…
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Thank You for 2017 & Join Us to Act for Refugees and Immigrants in 2018!
January 2, 2018Thank you for your partnership in acting to support refugees and immigrants in 2017–and join us in ongoing actions for justice in 2018!! Sign up…
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Epiphany Devotions for Jan. 4-6
January 2, 2018Join in a 3-part Epiphany devotional series and actions in support of Temporary Protected Status populations for Jan. 4-6.
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Advent Devotions
December 4, 2017“Welcome to the Manger” is the theme for the 2017 Advent Devotions. Available for download on the Refugee & Immigration website. Week one: Angels Week…
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Who Grows Food for our Feasts?
November 15, 2017These resources provide education and links that help families and congregations build awareness of our dependence upon the gifts and energies of farmworkers; especially as…
Read more >Dreamers Welcome At the Table
November 13, 2017As we prepare soon to gather around tables again and again during the holiday season, Disciples Refugee & Immigration Ministries invites your congregation and members…
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Haitian TPS Alert
November 10, 2017Dear Disciples Friend, Right now, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is considering whether or not to extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians in…
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Christian Leaders Arrested for Peaceful Capitol Hill Protest in Support of Dream Act
November 3, 2017Disciples are among Christian leaders and activists who held hands and sang in an unlawful demonstration inside of the Russell Senate office building in Washington,…
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Praying with Dreamers Week #Faith4Dream Oct. 29 – Nov. 4
October 23, 2017Prepare now to plan Dream Sabbath Events! Check out these resources for ways you can participate.
Read more >Rev. Sharon Stanley-Rea Among DC-Area Clergy to Hold White House Rally to Save TPS
October 17, 2017WASHINGTON, DC — Today, October 17th at 11 a.m., local interfaith clergy will host a rally to call on the Trump administration to preserve Temporary…
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Reflections from Conference on Migration, Borders & Reception
October 10, 2017The 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…
Read more >Join October 2nd Immigration & Refugee Webinar and participate in Dream Sabbath
September 29, 2017Join the Interfaith Immigration Coalition for this webinar to learn how communities of faith can participate in “Dream Sabbath” events that lift up the stories,…
Read more >RIM Wrap: Sept. 28 Refugee Program
September 28, 2017Please 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…
Read more >Sept. 27 CWS Press Release on Refugee Resettlement Program
September 28, 2017CONGRESSWOMAN 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…
Read more >Sharon Stanley-Rea on DACA Decision
September 6, 2017Hear from Rev. Sharon Stanley-Rea in an interview with Sojourners on September 5, decision about DACA.
Read more >General Minister and President offers thoughts about DACA
September 6, 2017On 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…
Read more >Urgent: DACA & TPS Recipients at Great Risk: Ways Disciples Can Help!
August 29, 2017Please sign the faith letter & call your leaders today & tomorrow to urge DACA not to be ended, join our DACA & TPS Emergency…
Read more >“Immigrant Welcoming” Resolution Passes at General Assembly
July 21, 2017On Monday, July 10th, Disciples Refugee & Immigration Ministries’ Director joined with Immigration Legal Counsel, the National Benevolent Association, the Central Pastoral Office office of…
Read more >Webinars on July 10th & 13th
July 6, 2017Join the webinar on July 10th and 13th to help immigrants and learn about sanctuary. July 10 Interfaith Immigration Coalition Webinar “5 Ways We Can…
Read more >General Assembly Alerts
July 6, 2017Go here for Summer Recess Toolkit and Alerts for Refugees, Immigrants, Farmworkers, and TPS Recipients. Summer Action Grassroots Toolkit Disciples: Call to Support Refugees Now!…
Read more >Families Rally in Front of White House to Protest Trump Administration’s Aggressive Tactics to Deport Loved Ones to Cambodia
June 28, 2017RIM’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…
Read more >Faith Leaders Stand Against Scotus Ruling on Refugee and Muslim Ban Executive Order
June 27, 2017FOR 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…
Read more >Disciples Statement in Response to Supreme Court Ruling re: Refugee and Muslim Bans
June 27, 2017Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins, General Minister and President, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and Rev. Dr. Ronald Degges, President, Disciples Home Missions “Disciples are a…
Read more >From Student Visa to Green Card
June 14, 2017From 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…
Read more >CWS Statement on 9th Circuit Court of Appeals Ruling Against President Trump’s Rewritten Refugee Ban
June 12, 2017“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…
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4th Circuit Federal Appeals Court Upholds Block on Trump’s Travel Ban
May 25, 2017The Disciples RIM Staff celebrates the 4th Circuit Appeals Court ruling in Richmond, Va. on May 25 that upheld a lower court ruling which had…
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#ToImmigrantsWithLove
May 25, 2017Join the new #ToImmigrantsWithLove letter writing campaign, sponsored by Define American and I Am An Immigrant. Through it, you can write an electronic letter that…
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New! Refugees Welcome Summer Legislator Postcard!!
May 25, 2017Please deliver to, scan and email, or mail your national, state, and local legislators these postcards that indicate your support for refugees, and share how…
Read more >More Than 400 Faith Leaders & Organizations Nationwide Urge Support for Haitians at Risk for Deportation
May 2, 2017Call on DHS Secretary Kelly to extend Temporary Protected Status for Haiti for another 18 months WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 2, 2017) — CWS and Catholic…
Read more >Stop DHS From Deporting Somalis
April 26, 2017The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has recently apprehended, detained and deported Somali individuals back to their home country. These Somalis are asylum seekers, asylees,…
Read more >Disciples and United Church of Christ Holy Season Statement on Violence in the Middle East and Refugees
April 18, 2017In the beginning of Holy Week, marking the entry of Jesus to Jerusalem, his suffering and his death, we watch with sadness and grief the…
Read more >Disciples Rally 4 Family Justice
April 17, 2017Join 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…
Read more >Statement on Violence in the Middle East and Refugees
April 17, 2017Disciples and United Church of Christ Holy Season Statement on Violence in the Middle East and Refugees In the beginning of Holy Week, marking the…
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