Education
Immigration is a complicated issue and media often chose to highlight short sound bites and controversial viewpoints contributing to misinformation and inaccuracies. However, there are many resources available to help educate the public on this important human rights issue. Here we recommend several reputable sites that should help you or your small group sort out fact from fiction.
Immigrants, both documented and undocumented, are members of Christ’s body and our communities. As we work together to discern the prophetic hospitality we are to offer the stranger in our midst, we hope these resources will inspire you reach out to families desiring to provide their children with the American dream and learn how immigrants contribute to the fabric of American society and culture. Search the resources listed below to learn about some of the most pressing immigration issues we are facing.
Immigration Legislation
The 219th General Assembly (2010) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A) adopted a resolution calling for Presbyterians to refrain from holding meetings in states with immigration laws similar to Arizona’s SB1070. This resolution also directed the Office of Immigration Issues to track state legislation and make it available as a resource for Presbyterians across the country.
A database containing links to the immigration legislation being considered by state legislatures can be accessed here. The spreadsheet contains the name of proposed legislation, links to the text of the bill, its legislative history, and a recent article. Information is updated periodically. If new information needs to be added to the spreadsheet, please contact Melissa Gee with your suggestions and corrections. When using this information for planning events and meetings, please read the DISCLAIMER below.
DISCLAIMER While information is updated periodically, the status of bills can change quickly and without warning. Please use the links to get the most up-to-date information on bill status from each state’s congressional website. If you’re considering scheduling or canceling an event to honor the resolution, please contact Melissa Gee for the most up-to-date and accurate information. Melissa.gee@pcusa.org or 888-728-7228. Please do not rely only on the information contained in the spreadsheet to make your decision, seek the counsel of the Office of Immigration Issues and your partners to make a decision that is appropriate for your purposes.
Color code
Green: the state has few restrictions/policies relating to immigrants
Yellow: immigration legislation, which may conflict with the 2010 General Assembly resolution has been introduced in one or both chambers of the state’s legislature
Orange: a bill, which may conflict with the 2010 General Assembly resolution, has passed one chamber of the state’s legislature
Brown: immigration legislation has been enacted, which while not “similar to Arizona,” may result in some people not feeling welcome in the state
Red: immigration legislation “similar to Arizona” has been passed in both chambers and/or signed into law by the governor
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Policy on Immigration
Immigration is not an issue only in cities and towns near the United States’ northern and southern borders. Presbyteries across the country are frequently contacted by churches for advice and referrals to resources to help address immigration problems at the local level. The PC(USA) manager of Immigration Issues receives calls daily from pastors and presbyters in regions far from any national border and has visited with most presbyteries to discuss opportunities to help church members and pastors who are coping with immigration status questions.
219th General Assembly Policy on Immigration.
218th General Assembly Policy on Immigration.
217th General Assembly Policy on Immigration. (Spanish)
Education
For an overview of immigration issues, download this informational PowerPoint slideshow (updated February 2010).
Office of Immigration Issues Brochure
The General Assembly has helped to develop a study guide, Resolution Calling for a Comprehensive Legalization Program for Immigrants Living and Working in the United States. Download the immigration policy study guide.
Resolución llamando a un programa exhaustivo de legalización para inmigrantes viviendo y trabajando en los Estados Unidos Con Guia de Estudio. Baje la guía de estudio de la política de inmigración.