Churches in each of these three categories – ethnic minority, multicultural, and majority culture with community outreach – have recently contacted the MNA Refugee and Immigrant Ministry (RIM) with concerns about their immigrant members and others they serve. 

According to Scripture, immigrants are not “them.” Immigrants are “us.”

(Leviticus 19:33, 34; Numbers 15:15, 16; James 2:9; Colossians 3:11)

We are all image-bearers, equally loved by Him, equally in need of His grace.

A significant percentage of immigrants are already Christ followers when they arrive (58% according to Pew research.) Many other newcomers are hungry for the hope of the gospel.  The Lord may have brought them here specifically so they might seek and find Him. (Acts 17:26, 27)

• First generation immigrants, while adjusting to life and languages in the US, often desire to worship in their initial or “heart language,” (just as many missionaries gather periodically to worship in English in the countries where they serve.) Our denomination’s various ethnic minority church planting ministries’ directors have both the strong biblical foundation and the crucial cultural and linguistic understanding to plant such churches for our brothers and sisters in Christ and for seekers who speak those languages.

• As they become more confident of their English, many immigrants become members of increasingly multi-cultural congregations. They bring with them insights, skills and God-given talents of immense value to the local church and broader body of Christ.

• Many of our majority culture churches, in obedience to Scripture’s frequent commands to welcome and love the stranger, have English as a Second Language (ESL) or other outreach programs that serve the immigrant children and/or adults in their neighborhoods without regard to status.

In the current cultural and political climate, some immigrants are now facing the possibility of having to leave the US, either voluntarily or involuntarily. Points to consider:

• Don’t assume that you know your friend’s immigration status; US immigration law is incredibly complex.
• Their own status may be secure; they may be most concerned about a spouse, child or sibling in their household or extended family who lacks documents.
• Remember that immigration policies and the interpretation of immigration law is changing almost daily.
• It is not only those without documents who are concerned. Some people who possess documents with validity through 2026 or beyond, and even a small percentage of legal permanent residents are facing revocation of status and possible removal from the US.
• Only specialized immigration attorneys or accredited immigration representatives are qualified to provide reliable and up-to-date immigration legal advice.
• The website of the Immigration Advocates organization has an online legal services directory of local non-profit organizations that are approved by the US Department of Justice to provide reliable immigration counseling, searchable by state and city. (Google “Immigration Advocates legal directory.”)
• Immigration legal appointments may need to be scheduled weeks or even months in advance, due to the volume of need and the limited availability of qualified immigration counselors.

During this time of uncertainty for our immigrant friends, how can we continue to love all of them well, as God calls us to do, while obeying the laws of our nation?

• Pray for each of them specifically and often, and offer to pray WITH them, silently or aloud, in person or by cell or Zoom or on WhatsApp, Signal, etc.
• Assure them of the unchanging, unshakeable love of Christ for them, wherever they are and whatever their circumstances.
• In the context of authentic friendship, help them access Scripture in their heart language – print, digital, audio or multi-media. Good sources include Bible.IS and the website of the ScriptureEarth organization.
• Share with them (in person or by text or calls) Scripture “nuggets” that they can memorize easily, and/or short hymns or choruses of deep Biblical assurance. Repetition will help them recall.
• Would you or someone else at church willing to be an emergency contact for this friend’s family? Consider this prayerfully and let them know if you decide you can commit to this.
• Help them to think through preparations for a possible immigration emergency – See checklists below.

Checklist to prepare for immigration emergency – “How can my immigrant friend prepare for a possible immigration emergency?”

• If your friend is a legal permanent resident – a “green card” holder – they are told by the government to carry their green card at all times.
• If they are a naturalized US citizen, at this time it is wise to carry a copy of their naturalization certificate or a US passport book or passport card. (Passport cards are more durable proof of citizenship than paper documents but are not valid for air travel; Google “passport card” and the US State Department website.)
• If they have an Employment Authorization Document (EAD,) they should carry it with them as proof of their legal status, whether that status is temporary or permanent.
• They should memorize a few important phone numbers such as
  • immigration attorney or accredited counselor
  • trusted relative, friend or neighbor
  • caregiver for family member
  • trusted friend at church
• Do they have a list of their medical conditions and medications and can they perhaps carry with them a few extra doses of any crucial medication, clearly marked with name of medication?
• Does their spouse, or trusted relative, friend or neighbor know where to find the originals of important documents such as their birth or marriage certificates, social security card or naturalization certificate or passport, in case they need to bring them to them?
• If they own a vehicle, where is the title or payment booklet? Extra keys? Is there a co-owner who could sell it if needed?
• If they own a home, where is the deed? When are mortgage payments due? Property taxes? Have they sought legal advice about securing ownership for their family if they were detained or deported?
• If they rent an apartment, when is rent due, in what amount? What is the duration of the lease? Is more than one person’s name on the lease?
• If they own a business, have they made legal arrangements for someone they trust to take it over in their absence, or to sell the assets to benefit their family?

Checklist for mixed status immigrant families with children – “What might my immigrant friend with children need to do to prepare their family for an immigration emergency?”

• Have they obtained a birth certificate for each US citizen child?
• Does their spouse or trusted relative or friend know where to find the children’s birth certificates, social security cards, passports, etc.?
• As hard as this is, have they had a discussion with their older children about where they would feel safest if mom or dad were detained or deported, and the pros and cons of each choice?
• Have they had a serious, clear discussion with a trusted relative or friend who would be willing to care for the children if they are detained or deported?
• Have they provided that person with copies of their children’s medical and vaccination records, birth certificates, social security cards, etc.?
• Have they sought legal advice about a power of attorney or temporary guardianship for the child(ren)?
• Have they added to their children’s school emergency cards the name and phone number of the trusted relative or friend who should be contacted if a parent cannot be reached and who has their permission to pick up their child(ren) or to authorize emergency medical care if a parent is not available?
• Have they memorized this caregiver’s number, and have they memorized yours?
• Are their children aware of the designated caregiver and have they memorized this person’s name and cell phone number?
• Have they registered their children’s birth with the consulate of their country of origin to verify relationship in case of separation?
• The Women’s Refugee Commission organization website has some other useful family preparedness materials for immigrants in English and Spanish which you may want to consider.