Immigration
is a very hot issue right now. Many
Americans feel very torn because America has always prided itself as a land of
opportunity that has always been ready to welcome people from all over the
world. After all, most of us are
descendants of immigrants. However, we
also acknowledge that we do need to have some system of control at our
borders. The question then becomes
whether or not that system is fair and effective. Another question arises when we realize that
many people who are undocumented have been in this country for years, have
worked hard, have been otherwise law abiding, have bought homes, built lives,
and raised families. These are complex
questions that I cannot answer here.
The
position of the United Methodist Church is less concerned about the legal
status of immigrants than about their status and treatment as persons.
We recognize, embrace, and affirm all persons, regardless
of country of origin, as members of the family of God. We affirm the right of
all persons to equal opportunities for employment, access to housing, health
care, education, and freedom from social discrimination. We urge the Church and
society to recognize the gifts, contributions, and struggles of those who are immigrants
and to advocate for justice for all. (Book
of Discipline 2008 Paragraph 162H)
For centuries people have moved across borders in search
of work. In our global world this is still a relevant and increasing form of
immigration. Improved wages, better
working conditions, and jobs available are reasons for immigration due to work
opportunities. Workers from other countries are in many societies an important
resource to fill the society’s need of workers. But foreign workers too often
meet exploitation, absence of protecting laws, and unreasonable wages and
working conditions. We call upon
governments and all employers to ensure for foreign workers the same economic,
educational, and social benefits enjoyed by other citizens. Foreign workers also need a religious
fellowship, and we call for the churches to include these in their care and
fellowships and to support them in their efforts for better conditions.
(Paragraph 163F)
On the
national level, we need to ensure that we have fair and just immigration laws
and that those laws are fairly and justly enforced.
However,
as individuals and as the church, we need to welcome and care for all people,
including the immigrants among us.
