Immigration

Part 5 in the Seeing Beyond the Immigration Rhetoric series.

I met Jorge (name changed) at the Newton Correctional Facility, where my husband and I planted a church 8 years ago. Jorge came to the United States from Guatemala. Unfortunately, Jorge’s life took a turn for the worse and he ended up in prison.

If you’re not sure what to say, or how to say it, when leading a prayer for the children who are still incarcerated in camps at the U.S. southern border, consider these words.  If you want more information about the crisis, see this Do Justice article.  

Part 4 in the Seeing Beyond the Immigration Rhetoric series.

When an alien resides with you in your land, you shall not oppress the alien. The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.   Leviticus 19:33-34

Part 3 in the Seeing Beyond the Immigration Rhetoric series

The following is a transcribed video interview between the Office of Social Justice (OSJ) and church partners at the U.S. southern border. OSJ’s Melissa Stek met them last month on a delegation trip to El Paso, Texas. These church partners have been providing relief to asylum-seekers arriving to Ciudad Juarez.

"Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." - Romans 12:10-11

German Ship Captain Threatened with Prison for Rescuing Migrants

The German captain of a ship that rescued 53 refugees at sea was arrested Saturday after she attempted to dock at a port in Lampedusa, Sicily.

Immigration is our story. It’s our denomination’s story and it’s the story of most CRC and RCA congregants over the decades. It is our heritage, and we particularly recognize that this summer because June was Immigrant Heritage month -- the perfect few weeks to wrap up our “Immigration is Our Story” audio series.

For the LORD will go before you, And the God of Israel will be your rear guard. Isaiah 52:12

There are (at least) three crises at the Border right now. As advocates, we must know how to speak clearly and effectively about each one.

Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. Romans 8:26 

Chinese Church Leader Released from Detention

Part 2 in the Seeing Beyond the Immigration Rhetoric series

Immigration has become a heated topic; most of us have formed strong opinions on the subject. It is also a complex topic, encompassing a wide swath of issues, laws, and legal statuses, as well as court orders and rulings that seem to change on a regular basis. This creates an atmosphere in which discerning fact from fiction can be frustratingly difficult.