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Office of Immigration Issues

Advocacy

 

Helping to make immigration policy more just and consistent with Christian principles is easy. Below are some suggestions that will help congregations become more involved in ensuring U.S. immigration policy meets labor needs and the needs of immigrants.

Take Action

  • Refugees
    • Learn what Presbyterians are doing to help refugees settle into their communities in the United States.
    • Consider working with Catholic Legal Immigration Network to plan and host a legal clinic in your community to assist immigrants and refugees with becoming U.S. citizens. This Web site offers information on the citizenship process as well as how to set up a clinic in your community.
    • Resettlement organizations work to help refugees to the United States adjust to life in this culture. One organization, Kentucky Refuge Ministries, is located in Kentucky. For more information visit Church World Service.
    • U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants encourages the public to investigate, participate and advocate in matters of immigration. Their Web site offers specific information on immigration referrals to other governmental and nonprofit agencies working for immigrants.
  • Presbyterian Border Ministries, a joint ministry of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the National Presbyterian Church of Mexico, seeks to share a holistic gospel with those who live along the 2,000 mile U.S./Mexico border. Learn more at their Web site about their work and how to help including mission trips to border cities.
  • Know Immigrant Rights. American Civil Liberties Union provides publications on recent cases, news stories, and legislation on issues of immigration. Many of the resources are available in Spanish.
  • Work with immigrant populations in your community to learn what services are needed then work cooperatively to address those needs. Some ideas include: hosting English as a Second Language class, coordinating citizenship classes, organizing after school homework tutoring sessions or setting up an accompaniment program where members of your congregation attend important immigration meetings with immigrants.

Advocacy

  • Presbyterians for Just Immigration has made it easy for Presbyterians and people of all faiths to contact their Congressional representatives and encourage them to support immigration reform that is consistent with biblical mandate to love and care for the stranger and offer prophetic hospitality to all in our midst. Complete this postcard, then just print it and put it in the mail. If you have more time we suggest writing a personal letter to your representatives.
  • Write a letter to your elected officials. Writing a letter to your congressional representatives is the best way to have your voice heard.
  • Responding with Faith to Immigration. Take a pledge to respond to matters of immigration with faith. Download a pledge card and distribute among your church and friends. Send completed cards to the Office of Immigration Issues at Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). We’ll add you to our mailing list so that you will receive important news stories and updates on immigration issues.
  • Be informed and become an advocate for those without a voice in our system of government. The American Immigration Lawyers Association is a great resource for opportunities to stand in solidarity with immigrants. 
Links