Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Responds to House Republican Leadership's âStandards for Immigration Reformâ.
Disciples Home Missions 130 East Washington Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204 with Refugee & Immigration Ministries 5 Thomas Circle NW, Washington, DC 20005 20005
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Responds to House Republican Leadership’s “Standards for Immigration Reform” The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) appreciates the decision of House Republicans to take up immigration reform discussions as indicated by their January 30 release of GOP Immigration Reform Standards. The one page set of standards outlined views on border and internal enforcement, visa and employment regulations, immigration system changes, and opportunities for youth and some others “living outside the rule of law” to “come forward and get right with the law.” “We agree with House leaders that our nation’s current immigration system has serious problems which must be solved, and are grateful for this expression of commitment to work in a bipartisan manner to solve them. We take this time to reaffirm our promise to leaders on each side of the aisle to continue our prayers ‘for…all who are in high positions’ (I Timothy 2)” commented Dr. Sharon Watkins, General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). “However, our historic commitment to fulfill our biblical call to welcome the stranger and to live out God’s challenge in scripture that ‘the alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you’ (Leviticus 19:34) compels us likewise to raise key concerns about some of the principles as stated.” “Our General Assemblies have called upon Disciples to advocate for immigration legislation which is just, humane, and compassionate. This leads us to continue to seek policies which reflect our values of family unity, the opportunity for citizenship, and humane enforcement practices. While immigration reform is very likely to improve our economy, our faith moves us toward moral solutions which are about more than just economic gain,” continued Watkins. The Refugee & Immigration Ministries office of the CC(DOC) notes that the GOP standards, however, seem to de-‐value family based immigration in favor of employment based immigration, and prioritize enforcement as a solution to current immigration problems. “We urge Congress to consider legislation that increases the number of family based visas as well, to ensure that families suffering from separation will be reunited. And, as we recognize the U.S. government is already investing over $18 billion annually in immigration enforcement campaigns, we plan to work with Congress instead to seek solutions that help families contribute most and meet U.S. employment needs,” said RIM Director Sharon Stanley-‐Rea. “Our assemblies have historically supported fair wages and a path to citizenship for refugees, farm workers, and other immigrants for decades. We applaud the GOP standard for ‘legal residence and citizenship for those who were brought to this country as children through no fault of their own.’ However, we continue to support those who grow food for our tables, who serve our communities, and who bless our churches by asking that agricultural workers and other immigrants be given the opportunity to choose for earned citizenship and not relegated to any permanent second class,” added Stanley-‐Rea. Assistant to the President of Disciples Home Missions, Sheila Spencer, added, “Refugees and immigrants bring vitality to our churches and communities. Disciples Home Missions remains ready to continue our historic support for immigrant integration through friendship, education, and civic and spiritual nurture in this crucial time.” ### Since 1949, The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) has resettled more than 39,000 refugees, assisted countless people facing immigration problems, and advocated for humane borders and rights of immigrants. For further information, contact: Christian Church (Refugee & Immigration Ministries,
[email protected], 202-‐957-‐7826.