USA Immigration Issues

The First Nations in North America were immigrants who came to this land freely and established their own cultures, lifestyles, and religions. Later, the United States of America was founded by immigrants who settled on the land occupied by First Nation peoples, often by force. Waves of immigrants in succeeding years brought workers, new ideas, energy and culture to enrich the population. Early in its history, legal procedures were provided for people of other nations seeking citizenship and employment in the U.S. Today laws prohibit immigration that bypasses these procedures. Strict quotas have been established to limit the number of immigrants from any one country. Immigrants who do not have legal documentation are subject to deportation, that is, being sent back to their country of origin.

Current statistics estimate there are 11 to 12 million immigrants, both documented and non-documented currently living and working in the United States. Common misunderstandings and inadequate information have led to marginalization of many of our immigrants.  Fear of terrorists in recent years has focused attention on immigrants as a potential threat to national security, and efforts have escalated to identify and deport people who can not prove they are in the country legally, with documents to prove it.

Throughout the US teams of Immigration Control Enforcers (ICE) are investigating the legal status of immigrants. Many of the people serving on these teams are upholding the worth of persons, acting with sensitivity and compassion as they carry out their investigations.  In some cases, however, civil rights of both documented and non-documented immigrants have been violated. Citizens associated with immigrants have at times acted in prejudicial ways out of fear or ignorance. Stories of injustice and abuse shared with Community of Christ members call for compassionate response and support, both physical and spiritual.

Civil Rights Abuses:

Immigration officials overstepping legal boundaries and human rights issues

• Entering homes without warrant or with wrong name on warrant
• Posing as police, not immigration officials
• Intimidating families with guns and physical roughness
• Rounding up people at Costco, bus stops, from vehicles
• Insufficient food/water for children and parents during long days of questioning and investigation

Legal counsel not available

• In Novato CA, if those arrested show up at court well ahead of time, they have the option of talking to a lawyer. If they show up on time, that privilege is waived.
• Pro-bono lawyers hard to find
• $20,000 bail prohibitive – many sit in jail until court date

Families waiting for court date

• Ankle bracelets with electronic radio locators are applied to family members
• Not allowed to work - no money for bills, food, medical expenses
• Curfew 7:00 pm
• Shelter issues
• Climate of fear
• Both legal and non-documented immigrants fearful of raids
• People hiding in apartments, not going to grocery store, schools, jobs
• Landlords attempting to evict immigrants due to fear
• Latino pastors unwilling to respond due to fear
• Anglo fear of arrest for “aiding and abetting” or “illegal transport” when driving an immigrant to the store or doctor
• Lack of legal counsel or legal funding for Anglos who provide relief and support

If you are interested in finding ways to work within the laws of the country to provide support and assistance, consider these suggestions.  If you wish to share your story of support or ministry upholding the worth of immigrants, to be posted on this webpage, please send it to tread@CofChrist.org