Washington, DC— Across the diverse faith traditions part of the Interfaith Immigration Coalition, welcoming and loving our neighbors is central to our sacred texts and core teachings. Understanding that the policies that may be in store in the next administration–mass deportation, family separation, curtailing access to protection from persecution–may profoundly impact families and vulnerable people on the move and at the border, the Interfaith Immigration Coalition recommits to the critical work of accompaniment, solidarity and action alongside immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, DACA recipients, TPS beneficiaries and others impacted.
Interfaith Immigration Coalition
12 posts
Washington, DC – The Interfaith Immigration Coalition applauds President Biden’s issuance of the FY 2025 Presidential Determination, with an admissions goal of resettling 125,000 refugees over the next year. After historic lows under the previous administration, the Biden Administration has made incredible progress in rebuilding the U.S. refugee admissions program (USRAP).
Washington, DC – Faith Leaders from across different traditions and members of the Interfaith Immigration Coalition denounce the Biden administration’s Final Rule to “Secure the Border,” which would solidify restrictions on asylum access at the U.S. southern border.
“We had one pastor who attended our conference last year unsure as to whether or not the conference would be beneficial to him. Upon sitting in one of our [sessions] on “How to start a church-based immigration center” he knew exactly why he was there and was inspired to begin the process of starting a site in his local congregation.”
– Daniel Montañez – Mygration Christian Conference, Pentecostal
“As a group of Franciscan Sisters in Baltimore, we tried to welcome whomever came into our home. We welcomed people from Africa, Bangladesh, Mexico, and Jamaica–they were our dinner guests. We aimed to help them access the services they needed.”
– Sister Mary Jeanne Quinlivan, OSF – Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi, Catholic
“People in migration are not merely “others” — foreigners on the run, escaping unimaginable humanitarian crisis… but people on the move who have traditions and families and histories…People in migration are people with dignity.”
– Linda at La Crosse, WI – Coulee Region Immigration Taskforce, Interdenominational, and Jen Pick, Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration
“We invite you to know the beginning of our church’s story of accompaniment thanks to the Cáceres family in this video.”
– Rev. Dr. Eileen Altman at Palo Alto, CA – First Congregational Church of Palo Alto, United Church of Christ
“We like to connect lay and faith leaders to these realities through the experience of pilgrimage. We then encourage the leaders to share their experience at their congregations or ministries and engage others in advocacy and other campaigns.”
– The Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity
“Last year, we supported an Afghan refugee family – to help them settle in Montgomery County, MD with furniture, clothing, and household items. We collected the items, rented a storage unit to hold them until the family was ready to move and then furnished their home. We also conducted collections of non-perishable personal items for a local immigrant/refugee organization”
– Jim Caldiero, at Ellicott City, MD – Channing Memorial Church (UU), Unitarian Universalist
“I’m inspired and challenged to do a better job of welcoming and supporting these children.”
– Becky, Child Advocate Volunteer Mennonite Central Committee U.S., Mennonite
“For me, the work is heart-warming, connection building and a tremendous pulling together of resources and love.”
– Ann V. Stevenson, at Bellingham, WA – Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship, Unitarian Universalist
“I wish at times that all y’all could see and witness some of the beloved kindom happenings at the MHCC building during the week with our asylum guests. I am blessed and honored to hold so many moments each week. I was encouraged this week to try and share some of them with you…so here are a few scenes from just the last couple days…”
– Rev. Laurie Anderson at Dallas, TX – Midway Hills Christian Church, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)