Evangelical Leaders Forum on Immigration Raymond Baptist Church Raymond, NH.

Evangelical Evangelical Leaders Forum Leaders Forum on Immigrationon Immigration

Raymond Baptist ChurchRaymond Baptist Church Raymond, NH Raymond, NH

CONTROVERSIAL QUESTIONSCONTROVERSIAL QUESTIONS

Who Who areare all these “aliens”? all these “aliens”?

Why can’t they just follow the rules?Why can’t they just follow the rules?

Why don’t they wait their turn in line?Why don’t they wait their turn in line?

Why don’t they immigrate the legal way, the way Why don’t they immigrate the legal way, the way my ancestors did?my ancestors did?

Why don’t they learn English?Why don’t they learn English?

I’m not an immigrant – why should I care?I’m not an immigrant – why should I care?

What part of What part of illegalillegal don’t they understand? don’t they understand?

The Immigration “Problem”The Immigration “Problem”

An estimated An estimated 12 million undocumented12 million undocumented individuals presently in the United individuals presently in the United StatesStates

For some, an “For some, an “invasioninvasion” of “illegal ” of “illegal aliens” who are destroying our culture, aliens” who are destroying our culture, contributing to crime, and wrecking our contributing to crime, and wrecking our economyeconomy

The Immigration “Problem”The Immigration “Problem”

For others, an For others, an unjust situationunjust situation where hard- where hard-working people are forced into the working people are forced into the shadows and families are divided by shadows and families are divided by arbitrary lawsarbitrary lawsFor Christians, a tension between wanting For Christians, a tension between wanting to to uphold the rule of lawuphold the rule of law and to and to welcome, welcome, love, and ministerlove, and minister to our new immigrant to our new immigrant neighbors—and a challenge for our neighbors—and a challenge for our churcheschurches, which include many , which include many undocumented believersundocumented believers

QUESTION:QUESTION:

Who are these people anyway?Who are these people anyway?

Who Are Undocumented Who Are Undocumented Immigrants?Immigrants?

According to According to Department of Department of Homeland Security Homeland Security statistics released last statistics released last month, there were month, there were 11.6 11.6 million undocumented million undocumented immigrantsimmigrants living in the living in the US as of January 2008US as of January 2008Between 40% and 50% Between 40% and 50% of undocumented of undocumented immigrants entered immigrants entered lawfully, with a non-lawfully, with a non-immigrant visa, but immigrant visa, but then overstayed; the then overstayed; the rest crossed a border rest crossed a border illegallyillegally


Most come from Latin America, but there are Most come from Latin America, but there are also also millions of undocumented Asians, millions of undocumented Asians, Europeans, and CanadiansEuropeans, and Canadians

Statistics and Graphic from the Pew Hispanic Center, March 2006


FamiliesFamilies– 1 in 3 families with at 1 in 3 families with at

least one undocumented least one undocumented family member has at family member has at least one U.S. citizenleast one U.S. citizen

– While only 35% of While only 35% of Hispanic immigrants Hispanic immigrants speak English “pretty speak English “pretty well” or “very well,” more well” or “very well,” more than 90% of second-than 90% of second-generation immigrants generation immigrants speak English wellspeak English well

Over the last 10 years, Over the last 10 years, 108,434 immigrants 108,434 immigrants who were the parents of who were the parents of U.S. citizen children U.S. citizen children were removed from this were removed from this country.country.

Statistics and Graphic from the Pew Hispanic Center, March 2005 and November 2007

QUESTION:QUESTION:

Why don’t they come the legal way, the Why don’t they come the legal way, the way that my ancestors did?way that my ancestors did?

A Nation of ImmigrantsA Nation of Immigrants

The United States of America has always The United States of America has always been a nation of immigrantsbeen a nation of immigrants

But immigrants have always been But immigrants have always been welcomed by some and scapegoated by welcomed by some and scapegoated by othersothers

The History of American ImmigrationThe History of American ImmigrationImmigrants Have Always Been Simultaneously Immigrants Have Always Been Simultaneously Welcomed and ScornedWelcomed and Scorned

Why should [immigrants] establish their Language and Manners to the Exclusion of ours? Why should Pennsylvania, founded by the English, become a Colony of Aliens who will shortly be so numerous as to [change] us instead of our Anglifying them, and will never adopt our Language or Customs, any more than they can acquire our complexion?

— Benjamin Franklin, 1751, referring to the German immigrants “invading” Pennsylvania

The bosom of America is open to receive not only the opulent and respectable stranger, but the oppressed and persecuted of all nations and religions, whom we shall welcome to participate to all of our rights and privileges, if by decency and propriety of conduct they appear to merit the employment.

— George Washington, 1783, addressing a group of Irish immigrants

A Brief TimelineA Brief Timeline– Until 1820: Unlimited, unregulated Until 1820: Unlimited, unregulated

immigrationimmigration– 1820-1860: The First Great 1820-1860: The First Great

WaveWaveMostly Irish and GermanMostly Irish and GermanIrish were fleeing potato famineIrish were fleeing potato famineMany Germans left after a failed attempted Many Germans left after a failed attempted revolution in 1848revolution in 1848Many Catholic immigrants, who were often not Many Catholic immigrants, who were often not welcomed by generally Protestant American welcomed by generally Protestant American societysociety

The History of American The History of American ImmigrationImmigration

– February 2, 1848: Treaty of Guadalupe February 2, 1848: Treaty of Guadalupe HidalgoHidalgo

About 100,000 Mexicans became U.S. About 100,000 Mexicans became U.S. citizens when the border crossed themcitizens when the border crossed themMexico lost and ceded U.S. half of its Mexico lost and ceded U.S. half of its territory, including parts or all of modern day territory, including parts or all of modern day California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Ulysses California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Ulysses S. Grant called the war “one of the most S. Grant called the war “one of the most unjust ever waged by a stronger against a unjust ever waged by a stronger against a weaker nation”weaker nation”Important to Remember: about 70% of Important to Remember: about 70% of Hispanics living in the U.S. are U.S. citizens, Hispanics living in the U.S. are U.S. citizens, mostly by birth, many for many generationsmostly by birth, many for many generations


– 1848-1890: Chinese Immigration & Exclusion1848-1890: Chinese Immigration & ExclusionImmigration sparked by the Gold Rush in 1848, then Immigration sparked by the Gold Rush in 1848, then continued to build Transcontinental Railroadcontinued to build Transcontinental Railroad

As jobs became more scarce for native workers, local laws As jobs became more scarce for native workers, local laws began to target the Chinese; violence and forced began to target the Chinese; violence and forced displacement were commondisplacement were common

First restrictions on any “lunatic, idiot, or any person unable First restrictions on any “lunatic, idiot, or any person unable to take care of himself or herself without becoming a public to take care of himself or herself without becoming a public charge”charge”


– 1882-1924: The Closing of the Golden 1882-1924: The Closing of the Golden DoorDoor

1883: Emma Lazarus pens “The Colussus”1883: Emma Lazarus pens “The Colussus”

Give me your tired, your poor,Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,

I lift my lamp beside the golden door!I lift my lamp beside the golden door!

1924 – National Origins Quota System becomes law1924 – National Origins Quota System becomes law

– 1924: National Origins Quota1924: National Origins Quota– Closed off most immigration to the United States for four Closed off most immigration to the United States for four

decades, except for from Western Hemispheredecades, except for from Western Hemisphere– First requirement for a visa to enter the U.S.First requirement for a visa to enter the U.S.


– 1965: The Kennedy/Johnson Reforms1965: The Kennedy/Johnson ReformsShifted qualification to immigrate from national Shifted qualification to immigrate from national origins to family relationships and employment origins to family relationships and employment needsneedsOpened immigration from Asia, Africa, and Opened immigration from Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe (though perhaps not Eastern Europe (though perhaps not intentionally)intentionally)The basis for our immigration laws todayThe basis for our immigration laws today

The History of American The History of American

Immigration Immigration

QUESTIONQUESTION

Why are so many people here without Why are so many people here without proper documents? How did we get in to proper documents? How did we get in to this situation?this situation?

Our Immigration System TodayOur Immigration System Today

The current structure of US immigration The current structure of US immigration law provides four basic ways to get a law provides four basic ways to get a “green card” (i.e. become a legal “green card” (i.e. become a legal immigrant)immigrant)– FamilyFamily– EmploymentEmployment– DiversityDiversity– Refugee/AsylumRefugee/Asylum


Family-Based ImmigrationFamily-Based Immigration

– At least At least 226,000 visas226,000 visas available annually available annually

US citizens and Legal Permanent Residents US citizens and Legal Permanent Residents can file for their immediate familiescan file for their immediate families

Problem:Problem: However, due to per-country limits However, due to per-country limits and limited numbers of visas, there is a large and limited numbers of visas, there is a large backlogbacklog

In some cases, wait times can be up to 22 In some cases, wait times can be up to 22 years (for Filipino siblings of US citizens)years (for Filipino siblings of US citizens)

Family Immigration BacklogsFamily Immigration BacklogsVisa CategoryVisa Category Citizenship Citizenship

Status of U.S. Status of U.S. Family MemberFamily Member

Relationship of Relationship of Immigrant Immigrant

Annual Annual Numerical LimitNumerical Limit

Length of WaitLength of Wait

Immediate Immediate

RelativeRelative

U.S. CitizenU.S. Citizen Spouse, Spouse, unmarried minor unmarried minor child, parentchild, parent

No limitNo limit Several monthsSeveral months

11stst Family Family PreferencePreference

U.S. CitizenU.S. Citizen Unmarried adult Unmarried adult children (21 children (21 years or older)years or older)

23,40023,400 5 years, 8 months5 years, 8 months

22ndnd A Family A Family PreferencePreference

U.S. Legal U.S. Legal Permanent Permanent ResidentResident

Spouse, minor Spouse, minor childchild

87,9087,90 4 years, 9 months 4 years, 9 months

22ndnd B Family B Family PreferencePreference

U.S. Legal U.S. Legal Permanent Permanent ResidentResident

Unmarried adult Unmarried adult children (21 children (21 years or older)years or older)

26,30026,300 9 years, 8 months9 years, 8 months

33rdrd Family Family PreferencePreference

U.S. CitizenU.S. Citizen Married Adult Married Adult childrenchildren

23,40023,400 8 years8 years

44thth Family Family PreferencePreference

U.S. CitizenU.S. Citizen Brothers and Brothers and sisterssisters

65,00065,000 11 years11 years


Employment-Based ImmigrationEmployment-Based Immigration– 140,000140,000 Permanent Resident visas annually Permanent Resident visas annually

Primarily for immigrants with “extraordinary Primarily for immigrants with “extraordinary ability” and “holding advanced degrees”ability” and “holding advanced degrees”Problem: Problem: Only 5,000 permanent visas for Only 5,000 permanent visas for unskilled laborersunskilled laborersEmployers must prove they cannot find a U.S. Employers must prove they cannot find a U.S. worker and that employing an immigrant will worker and that employing an immigrant will not adversely affect the wages of U.S. born not adversely affect the wages of U.S. born workersworkers


Diversity LotteryDiversity Lottery– 50,000 visas50,000 visas issued annually issued annually

Must have high school education or two years Must have high school education or two years of professional experience to applyof professional experience to apply

Odds of winning the 2009 lottery were 1 in 182Odds of winning the 2009 lottery were 1 in 182

No Visa Lottery forNo Visa Lottery for– Mexico, the Philippines, India, China, Canada, Haiti, El Mexico, the Philippines, India, China, Canada, Haiti, El

Salvador, England, South Korea, and Poland, among Salvador, England, South Korea, and Poland, among othersothers

Our Immigration System TodayOur Immigration System TodayRefugees and AsyleesRefugees and Asylees– 70,000 refugees70,000 refugees annually in recent years annually in recent years– 25,000 asylees25,000 asylees

Legally, refugees and asylees are individuals Legally, refugees and asylees are individuals whom the US recognizes as fleeing or facing a whom the US recognizes as fleeing or facing a legitimate fear of persecution on account of:legitimate fear of persecution on account of:

– RaceRace– ReligionReligion– National OriginNational Origin– Political OpinionPolitical Opinion– Membership in a Particular Social GroupMembership in a Particular Social Group– (not poverty, natural disasters, health issues, etc.)(not poverty, natural disasters, health issues, etc.)


Most people who are undocumented Most people who are undocumented probably do not qualify for any of these probably do not qualify for any of these paths to a green cardpaths to a green card

We can tell people “immigrate the legal We can tell people “immigrate the legal way” and to “wait their turn in line,” but for way” and to “wait their turn in line,” but for many there is no line to get intomany there is no line to get into

About 12 million people have come About 12 million people have come anyway, and are now undocumentedanyway, and are now undocumented

QUESTIONQUESTION

What are some common What are some common myths/misunderstandings about myths/misunderstandings about immigration that need to be immigration that need to be clarified?clarified?

Truth and Fiction about Truth and Fiction about Undocumented ImmigrantsUndocumented Immigrants

Myth: Undocumented Immigrants do not pay taxesMyth: Undocumented Immigrants do not pay taxesFact:Fact: The Social Security Administration estimates The Social Security Administration estimates that that 3 out of 4 undocumented immigrants have 3 out of 4 undocumented immigrants have payroll, Social Security, and Medicare taxes payroll, Social Security, and Medicare taxes deducted from their paychecksdeducted from their paychecks– Social Security Administration receives $6 to $7 billion per Social Security Administration receives $6 to $7 billion per

year in withholdings that do not match a valid Social year in withholdings that do not match a valid Social Security number, mostly from undocumented immigrantsSecurity number, mostly from undocumented immigrants

– But they are ineligible to benefit from Social Security or But they are ineligible to benefit from Social Security or Medicare, and from almost all public benefits and servicesMedicare, and from almost all public benefits and services

– Many undocumented immigrants file taxes each year Many undocumented immigrants file taxes each year using an “Individual Taxpayer Identification Number” using an “Individual Taxpayer Identification Number” (ITIN)(ITIN)


Myth: Immigrants are a drain on our welfare Myth: Immigrants are a drain on our welfare system and receive many welfare benefitssystem and receive many welfare benefitsFact:Fact:– Undocumented Immigrants are Undocumented Immigrants are not eligible to receive not eligible to receive

any welfare benefits any welfare benefits – In most states, the only two services undocumented In most states, the only two services undocumented

immigrants can receive are immigrants can receive are educationeducation (children can (children can attend schools K-12) and attend schools K-12) and emergency health careemergency health care (if (if immigrants go to an emergency room for a medical immigrants go to an emergency room for a medical emergency)emergency)

– Even Even lawful lawful immigrants are ineligible for many public immigrants are ineligible for many public benefit programs for at least five years after their benefit programs for at least five years after their admissionadmission


Myth: Immigrants don’t share our valuesMyth: Immigrants don’t share our values

Fact:Fact: Immigrants often come from Immigrants often come from countries with stronger family values and countries with stronger family values and community orientation than our owncommunity orientation than our own– Many immigrants are fellow Christians who Many immigrants are fellow Christians who

are attending churches in greater numbersare attending churches in greater numbers– Immigrants are infusing life into dying Immigrants are infusing life into dying

churches and denominations churches and denominations


Myth: Immigrants don’t want to speak EnglishMyth: Immigrants don’t want to speak EnglishFact:Fact: 35% of Hispanic immigrants speak “pretty 35% of Hispanic immigrants speak “pretty well” or “very well,” but by the second well” or “very well,” but by the second generation, nearly all speak English fluentlygeneration, nearly all speak English fluentlyEnglish as a Second Language classes are full English as a Second Language classes are full throughout much of the United States, with wait throughout much of the United States, with wait listslistsAlmost all Almost all immigrants immigrants want want to learn Englishto learn English, and , and know that doing so will improve their earnings know that doing so will improve their earnings potential in the US as well, but their full work potential in the US as well, but their full work schedules and family responsibilities can make it schedules and family responsibilities can make it challenging, especially for older immigrantschallenging, especially for older immigrants

QUESTION:QUESTION:

What part of “illegal” don’t you What part of “illegal” don’t you understand? It’s fine to welcome understand? It’s fine to welcome immigrants, but the Bible isn’t talking immigrants, but the Bible isn’t talking about about illegal immigrantsillegal immigrants, is it?, is it?

The Special ChallengeThe Special Challengeof Illegal Immigrationof Illegal Immigration

Scripture clearly instructs us to follow the Scripture clearly instructs us to follow the lawlaw– Romans 13Romans 13

““everyone must submit himself to the governing everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities” since “the authorities that exist have authorities” since “the authorities that exist have been established by God.” been established by God.”

those who disobey the civil authority should expect those who disobey the civil authority should expect judgment from that same authority, which “does judgment from that same authority, which “does not bear the sword for nothing.” not bear the sword for nothing.”


Romans 13 needs to be applied on two levelsRomans 13 needs to be applied on two levels– ChurchesChurches can minister to immigrants’ physical can minister to immigrants’ physical

needs, preach the gospel, and advocate for needs, preach the gospel, and advocate for policy changes, all without violating the lawpolicy changes, all without violating the law

– Undocumented ImmigrantsUndocumented Immigrants need to wrestle with need to wrestle with what Romans 13 for themselves, considering what Romans 13 for themselves, considering both the command to respect the law and the both the command to respect the law and the command to provide for one’s family (1 Timothy command to provide for one’s family (1 Timothy 5:8) passages that extol family unity (Psalm 5:8) passages that extol family unity (Psalm 133:1)133:1)


Seeking justice means asking not just “what is Seeking justice means asking not just “what is the law?” but “is the law itself just?”the law?” but “is the law itself just?”While Romans 13 cannot be dismissed, it is While Romans 13 cannot be dismissed, it is also clear in Scripture that “we must obey God also clear in Scripture that “we must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29)rather than men” (Acts 5:29)Throughout Scripture and church history, Throughout Scripture and church history, unjust laws have been challenged, resisted, unjust laws have been challenged, resisted, and subvertedand subverted– Moses’ and Jesus’ parents both worked around laws Moses’ and Jesus’ parents both worked around laws

that would have killed their childrenthat would have killed their children– Many churches send missionaries to countries where it Many churches send missionaries to countries where it

is illegal to preach the gospelis illegal to preach the gospel– Heroes of the Civil Rights era defied unjust laws by sit-Heroes of the Civil Rights era defied unjust laws by sit-

ins, boycotts, and marchesins, boycotts, and marches


Insisting that the rule of law is important Insisting that the rule of law is important does not necessarily mean that our only does not necessarily mean that our only option is to deport all those unlawfully option is to deport all those unlawfully presentpresentFor those out of status, we can insist For those out of status, we can insist that the rule of law is important and that the rule of law is important and advocate for restitution for having advocate for restitution for having violated the law (such as a fine) that violated the law (such as a fine) that would not separate familieswould not separate families

Immigrants and the ChurchImmigrants and the Church

Immigrant congregations are growing faster than Immigrant congregations are growing faster than any other category of evangelical churchesany other category of evangelical churches

There is one Church – one Body, one Spirit, one There is one Church – one Body, one Spirit, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all (Ephesians 4:4-6)(Ephesians 4:4-6)– Each part of the Body is indispensableEach part of the Body is indispensable (1 Corinthians (1 Corinthians

12:14-25) – so our immigrant brothers and sisters 12:14-25) – so our immigrant brothers and sisters need us, and we need themneed us, and we need them

– When one part suffers, every part suffersWhen one part suffers, every part suffers – and – and immigrant brothers and sisters are suffering under immigrant brothers and sisters are suffering under current policy (1 Corinthians 12:26)current policy (1 Corinthians 12:26)

Immigrants and the ChurchImmigrants and the Church

While many view immigration as a threat, for the While many view immigration as a threat, for the Church it is a great missional opportunityChurch it is a great missional opportunity– Many immigrants arrive in the U.S. and bring a vibrant Many immigrants arrive in the U.S. and bring a vibrant

evangelical faith with them, revitalizing our churchesevangelical faith with them, revitalizing our churches– Others arrive in U.S. having never heard or accepted Others arrive in U.S. having never heard or accepted

the gospel, so we have the privilege to share it with the gospel, so we have the privilege to share it with them them

– We are commanded to make disciples of all nations We are commanded to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20); through immigration, the nations (Matthew 28:19-20); through immigration, the nations arrive at our doorsteparrive at our doorstep

Our response to immigrants and to questions of Our response to immigrants and to questions of immigration policy—whether “welcome!” or “go immigration policy—whether “welcome!” or “go home!”–will define how immigrants respond to home!”–will define how immigrants respond to the gospel we preachthe gospel we preach

QUESTION:QUESTION:

What is the government doing about What is the government doing about immigration?immigration?

How Should the Government How Should the Government Respond?Respond?

World Relief has advocated World Relief has advocated Comprehensive Comprehensive Immigration ReformImmigration Reform (CIR) that would include (CIR) that would include the following four components:the following four components:– Reduction in the Backlogs for Reduction in the Backlogs for Family ReunificationFamily Reunification– New legal mechanisms for New legal mechanisms for immigrant workersimmigrant workers and and

their families to enter the UStheir families to enter the US– An An earned earned legalizationlegalization for undocumented for undocumented

immigrants who meet certain qualifications, with an immigrants who meet certain qualifications, with an ultimate ultimate pathway to citizenshippathway to citizenship

– Humane Humane border securityborder security policies to keep our policies to keep our country safecountry safe

Immigration Immigration and Politicsand Politics

Immigration was debated in 2006 and 2007Immigration was debated in 2006 and 2007 in in the Senate but immigration bills failed both timesthe Senate but immigration bills failed both times– The bill enjoyed wide bipartisan support thenThe bill enjoyed wide bipartisan support then– Offices received negative calls at a rate of 10:1 to Offices received negative calls at a rate of 10:1 to

positive callspositive callsCurrently, President Obama supports Currently, President Obama supports Comprehensive Immigration Reform (CIR)Comprehensive Immigration Reform (CIR)– It’s critical that the Senate debate immigration It’s critical that the Senate debate immigration

beforebefore November 2010 November 2010 and that a and that a 22ndnd Republican Republican in in the Senate supports CIRthe Senate supports CIR

– The faith community can play an integral role in The faith community can play an integral role in supporting CIRsupporting CIR

Evangelicals on ImmigrationEvangelicals on ImmigrationBill and Lynne HybelsBill and Lynne Hybels– Founders, Willow Creek Community ChurchFounders, Willow Creek Community Church

Joel HunterJoel Hunter– Senior Pastor, Northland- A Church DistributedSenior Pastor, Northland- A Church Distributed

Leith AndersonLeith Anderson– President, National Association of EvangelicalsPresident, National Association of Evangelicals– Assemblies of God, Evangelical Free Church of America, Assemblies of God, Evangelical Free Church of America,

Church of the Nazarenes, Mission Exchange, etc.Church of the Nazarenes, Mission Exchange, etc.

Richard LandRichard Land– President, Southern Baptist Ethics and Religious Liberty President, Southern Baptist Ethics and Religious Liberty

CommissionCommission

Michael GersonMichael Gerson– President Bush’s former speechwriterPresident Bush’s former speechwriter

Chuck ColsonChuck Colson– Founder, Prison FellowshipFounder, Prison Fellowship

QUESTION:QUESTION:

How can churches, mission organizations How can churches, mission organizations or concerned Christ-followers get or concerned Christ-followers get involved? What should our response be, involved? What should our response be, and what should the government’s and what should the government’s response be?response be?

How Can We Respond?

Prayer

Listening

Education

Advocacy

Service

Evangelism

PrayerPrayer

Scripture tells us to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thes.5:17) – so prayer should be at the beginning, middle,and end of our engagement with this issueWe are called to pray “for kings and all those in authority” (1 Tim. 2:1-2)This issue is a huge issue, and none of us has the authority to change the structural problems in theimmigration system… but God does“The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; hedirects it… wherever he pleases” (Prov. 21:1)

Listening and LearningListening and Learning

To really understand this issue, we need to listen– To Scripture– And to the stories of our immigrant brothers and sisters

It’s easy – until we have heard the stories ofimmigrants, and realized that many of them are ourbrothers and sisters, and not altogether unlike us –to over-simplify this issue- Building relationships with immigrants and

intentionally entering with a humble posture of listening and learning is vital

- “There should be no division in the body, but that itsparts should have equal concern for each other. If

one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it” (1 Cor. 12:25-26).

Learn about immigration through your Learn about immigration through your classes and through your own readingclasses and through your own reading

World Relief or other ministries that work World Relief or other ministries that work with immigrants may be helpful in with immigrants may be helpful in connecting churches and individuals with connecting churches and individuals with volunteer opportunities that can facilitate volunteer opportunities that can facilitate mutual learningmutual learning

EducationEducation

AdvocacyAdvocacy

Stay up-to-date on what is happening in Stay up-to-date on what is happening in Washington: send an email to Washington: send an email to [email protected] to be informed of [email protected] to be informed of pending legislationpending legislation– Call, write to, or visit your congressperson, Call, write to, or visit your congressperson,

senators, and the president to ask them to senators, and the president to ask them to support Comprehensive Immigration Reformsupport Comprehensive Immigration Reform

– Speak up for immigrants when you hear or Speak up for immigrants when you hear or read rumors and myths about them read rumors and myths about them

ServiceService

There are many ways for a church to There are many ways for a church to serve the immigrants in their communityserve the immigrants in their community

English classesEnglish classes

““Friendship Partners” to help newly arrived Friendship Partners” to help newly arrived immigrants adjust to a new cultureimmigrants adjust to a new culture

With proper training and governmental recognition, With proper training and governmental recognition, providing legal servicesproviding legal services

EvangelismEvangelism

We’re called to “make disciples of all nations” (Matt. 28:19): immigration provides the opportunity to do

so without leaving our neighborhoodsAs we befriend, serve, and advocate with immigrants, we have the opportunity to share the gospel, the good news of a transformative relationship with Jesus ChristEvangelism opportunities occur both in church—through individual friendships andconversations

Book ResourcesBook Resources

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Evangelical Leaders Forum on Immigration Raymond Baptist Church Raymond, NH.

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