Issues & Episcopal Response

 Who are they?

 Temporary Visa  Permanent Resident Visa  Naturalized Citizen See – (U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services)

Includes:  Student  Work – High Tech  Temporary work visas exhausted within 1 day of announcement  Work – Low Tech  Unworkable  Tourist  “Prove” you’ll return See – (U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services) navigation bar on the left – visiting the U.S. temporarily

 If U.S. Citizen, includes  Spouse  Minor Children  Parents  Adult Siblings See – (U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services) navigation bar on the left – Permanent Residence

 If Permanent Resident, includes:  Spouse  Minor Children See – (U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services) navigation bar on the left – Permanent Residence

Includes:  Investment  Skill or profession with no U.S. candidates See – (U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services) navigation bar on the left – Permanent Residence

Includes:  Permanent resident for:  If Married to U.S. Citizen – 3 years  Otherwise – 5 years  Military – 2 years See – (U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services) navigation bar on the left – U.S. Citizenship

 Expired Visa (authorized entry)  40%  Entered with authorization  60%

4 US-citizen children; but no way to stay. Mom and Dad deported to Mexico. What are the choices? What if they were your kids?

Scripture Tradition Reason The alien shall be as a citizen. What you do to these…, you do to me. Respect the dignity of every human being. Do not ask for whom the bell tolls…. Justice requires proportionality Family unity U.S. Economic Wellbeing

Comprehensive Immigration Reform (CIR)

 Acknowledge the need for countries to “protect its borders;” AND… THE “ENFORCEMENT” PIECE OF CRI

1.Undocumented aliens should have reasonable opportunity to pursue permanent residency. i.e. Economics and Family Values

2.Legal workers should be allowed to enter the United States to respond to recognized labor force needs. i.e., A well-managed flow of temporary workers permits and encourages workers’ families to remain in place and workers to return to their home countries.

3. Close family members should be allowed to reunite without undue delay with individuals lawfully present in the United States.

Up to 12-year backlog. Stopped receiving new applications.

4. Fundamental U.S. principles of legal due process should be granted all persons. 5. Enforcement of national borders and immigration policies should be proportional and humane. The Vang Family – Facing deportation after 18 years in U.S., two US-citzen children, a restaurant and a house The letter of the law is not enough.

 Deplores undue emphasis of enforcement as the primary response to immigrants entering the United States to work  Calls the Episcopal Church to educate Episcopalians as to the plight of refugees, immigrants, and migrants  Commits to welcome strangers, to advocate for their wellbeing and protection, and to urge members to resist any violation of our fundamental beliefs as Christians.

 Educate Episcopalians (and I would add, our communities).  Welcome migrants, immigrants, and refugees.  Advocate for their wellbeing and protection.  Urge members to resist any violation of our fundamental beliefs as Christians.

Personally, or in a Group, like this one!

 Enabling Resolution A017, with $$$$$.  To educate  Educate yourself and your community  Speaker’s bureau anyone? To find out what’s happening in your area, join interfaith efforts, find out what you can do  See the Diocese of California Resolutions for 2006 & 2007 at

 To welcome strangers as a matter of Christian responsibility  Welcome immigrants into your church and your circle of friends.  Ask immigrant and ethnic churches if you can help in some way.  Follow through on their requests. PersonalChurchDiocese

 To advocate  Join the Public Policy Network  Join one of the advocacy alert lists, e.g.  Spread the word!!  Mailing lists (paper and/or )  Parish & Diocesan newsletters & lists  Convention and/or Clergy Conference information tables  Start a website or add a web page with cooperative groups  Ask your bishop to intervene or make a statement PersonalChurchDiocese

 To resist legislation and actions which violate our fundamental beliefs as Christians  What would you do to keep a family from being deported?  What would you do to render humanitarian aid to a family in need? For ideas, see:   Click on “Immigrant Rights Resources”  PersonalChurchDiocese

 Work-Place Enforcement  “No-Match” Letters  “Enforcement Only”  Where’s the “Comprehensive” piece?  Dream Act  AgJobs  The price of food  Immigrant Bashing See,