Understanding Immigration: A Call to Serve

Members of our congregation recently gathered to explore the distinct experiences of immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and migrant workers, while examining the history and evolution of U.S. immigration law. Grounded in our faith and the scriptural call to act justly and love mercy, this discussion highlighted our shared responsibility to treat all people with dignity and respect.

We invite you to learn more about how to support and advocate for our neighbors through organizations such as Samaritas, the ELCA Advocacy Action Center, and Global Refuge.

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Over 30 members of our congregation recently gathered to learn about immigration, refugee resettlement, and the Christian call to welcome and support our neighbors.

Immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and migrant workers are often discussed together, but they have distinct experiences. Immigrants generally choose to relocate permanently to another country, often for economic or family reasons. Refugees are forced to flee their homelands because of war, violence, or persecution and receive refugee status before entering the United States. Asylum seekers also flee persecution but apply for protection after arriving in the U.S. Migrant workers move temporarily to find employment, often in seasonal industries.

Immigration has shaped the United States throughout its history. Early immigration during the colonial era was largely unregulated and consisted primarily of Europeans seeking religious freedom and economic opportunity. Later waves included Irish and German immigrants fleeing famine and hardship, followed by southern and eastern Europeans escaping political instability and persecution. The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 transformed immigration patterns by opening opportunities to people from around the world, particularly from Latin America and Asia.

U.S. immigration law has evolved significantly over time, from the largely open policies of the colonial period to legislation such as the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, national-origin quotas in the 1920s, the Refugee Act of 1980, and subsequent reforms addressing undocumented immigration and refugee resettlement.

One sobering reminder of the consequences of closed doors occurred in 1939, when a ship carrying 920 Jewish refugees was denied entry to the United States. Many passengers were later sent to concentration camps, and only about 240 survived the Holocaust.

The discussion also examined recent immigration-related executive actions, including efforts to restrict birthright citizenship, suspend refugee resettlement, increase detention and deportation activities, and invoke the Alien Enemies Act. Participants reviewed constitutional protections, including the Fourteenth Amendment's guarantee of birthright citizenship and the Fourth and Sixth Amendments, which provide due process protections for all persons within the United States.

The conversation was grounded in faith. Scripture reminds us that justice means treating every person with dignity and respect. The prophet Micah asks, “What does the Lord require of you?

To act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).

Jesus modeled justice and compassion through his care for the hungry, sick, imprisoned, and vulnerable.

Participants also learned about ways to serve. Samaritas New Americans (www.samaritas.org/newamericans), Michigan’s largest refugee resettlement agency, continues its work despite funding challenges and increasing needs among refugee families. Opportunities include financial support, volunteering, and serving as refugee foster parents.

Become an Advocate

The ELCA has trained and skilled staff who provide researched and accurate action alerts to guide us in advocacy

Advocacy is another important avenue for involvement. Resources are available through the ELCA Advocacy Action Center and Global Refuge, which provide information and action alerts on immigration-related issues. Congregation members are encouraged to pray, learn, serve, and advocate as they discern not only to understand these issues but also to respond with compassion, justice, and mercy toward all God's children.