Immigration

Social Concerns
In response to the recent U. S. Supreme Court decision related to birthright citizenship, the United Methodist Council of Bishops, general agencies and partner organizations hosted a webinar July 17. While birthright citizenship is safe for now, church leaders noted the dangers posed by current immigration policies. As of June, 71% of people arrested by ICE have no criminal record. Parchment image by Safwan Thottoli, courtesy of Unsplash; map image by OpenClipart-Vectors, courtesy of Pixabay; graphic by Laurens Glass, UM News.

What churches need to know about immigration

In an update on birthright-citizenship cases, United Methodist leaders also explored the dangers that U.S. immigration raids and travel bans pose to basic human rights.
Immigration
The U.S. Supreme Court building in Washington. While disappointed in recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings related to immigration and birthright citizenship, United Methodist leaders remain committed to upholding the denomination’s teachings to welcome all people as children of God. File photo by Clayton Childers, United Methodist Board of Church and Society.

US Supreme Court rulings challenge church

United Methodist leaders urge fellow church members to speak out for biblical teachings and care for immigrants even in the face of adverse court actions.
Immigration
From left, the Rev. Frank Wulf, the Rev. Allison Mark, Monalisa Tui’tahi, the Rev. Hannah Adair Bonner and the Rev. David Farley pose for a photo during a June 9 vigil outside the Los Angeles federal building to pray for immigrants detained inside. California-Pacific Conference Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank also was in attendance. United Methodist ministries, including the Council of Bishops and the United Methodist Board of Church and Society, are among 215 nongovernmental organizations that received a letter from a congressional committee probing their ministries with immigrant communities. Mark is president of Church and Society. Photo courtesy of California-Pacific Conference.

United Methodist ministries named in House probe

The United Methodist Council of Bishops and other ministries are among 215 charities that received a U.S. congressional committee’s letter about their work with immigrants.
Immigration
A National Guardsman stands watch at a June 10 prayer vigil organized by the United Methodist-founded Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice in downtown Los Angeles. The participants placed in front of him a poster in Spanish calling for peace, love and equality and asking for support. United Methodists across the Los Angeles area are working to stand up for immigrant rights while trying to de-escalate a tense situation as the Trump administration has deployed National Guard troops and Marines to quell protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Photo courtesy of Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice.

Working for immigrant rights and peace in LA

United Methodists in the Los Angeles area are advocating for immigrants while trying to de-escalate a tense situation after President Trump’s deployment of troops to quell anti-ICE protests.

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