Migration, Refugees, & Immigration
The Episcopal Church seeks to address issues of global migration and its root causes as the number of displaced people surpasses 70 million worldwide. We work to protect the human rights and safety of refugees by supporting the refugee resettlement work of Episcopal Migration Ministries. Further, we are committed to advocating for humane immigration policies that respect the dignity and worth of every human being and for comprehensive immigration reform.
Featured Actions
Immigration
Begin your advocacy with this Overview of Advocacy on Refugee and Immigration Issues, then scroll down for more specific issue areas.
Episcopal Church Resources
Access to Asylum and Protecting Family Unity
The Episcopal Church supports access to asylum (protection granted by a nation) and family unity as key parts of our humanitarian protection system. Learn more about how to take action to defend access to asylum and to stop families from being separated.
Episcopal Church Resources
Webinar
Walking with Asylum Seekers: Ministry Opportunities for Congregations (October 2020)
Toolkit
Supporting Asylum Seekers: A Toolkit for Congregations
Take Action
Dreamers and Advancing Immigration Reform
The Episcopal Church supports Dreamers, immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children, and recognizes them as part of our churches, communities, and part of our nation. Learn how to advocate for a legislative solution that would allow Dreamers and their families to obtain permanent status in the U.S. to continue contributing to our society, culture, and economy.
Episcopal Church Resources
Action Alert
Give DACA Recipients a Pathway to Legal Status
Statement
The Episcopal Church encourages support of the Dream Act (June 2020)
Pray
Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
TPS offers protection for hundreds of thousands of individuals who had to flee or were unable to return to their home countries due to natural disasters or armed conflict. TPS holders are authorized to work in the U.S. and protected from deportation. Learn how to advocate for a solution for TPS holders.
Statement
Episcopal Church Statement Commending TPS Designation for Venezuelans in the U.S. (March 2021)
Refugee Resettlement and Protection
We have long supported a robust refugee resettlement program for those who have fled their native countries to escape persecution, oppression, and war. Through The Episcopal Church’s resettlement agency Episcopal Migration Ministries, refugees are resettled to the U.S. and make a new life here with the support of the communities that welcome them. Learn how you can help continue this tradition of welcoming refugees to new homes in the U.S. and to advancing peacemaking and protection for refugees around the world.
Episcopal Church Resources
Episcopal Migration Ministries
EMM welcomes refugees, educates communities, and mobilizes congregations to advocate for the protection and rights of all migrants. In addition to refugee resettlement, EMM works to preserve the right to seek asylum and for alternatives to immigrant detention.
If you would like to get involved:
Ongoing Work
Immigration is a complex and multifaceted issue with far-reaching impacts for our families, communities, local economies, national security, and the role of the U.S. in the world. Due to the array of policies and laws that make up the U.S. immigration system, as well as the unexpected and new root causes of migration like natural disasters and conflict, we will highlight other immigration issues that require our attention as they come up, which are distinct from the other areas of advocacy listed above.
Sanctuary
Learn how you and your congregation can be a part of the Sanctuary Movement
Partner Resources
Diocesan Opportunities to Engage
- Diocese of the Rio Grande’s Borderland Ministry
- Diocese of Arizona’s Cruzando Fronteras
- Diocese of West Texas Immigration ministries
- Episcopal Farmworker Ministry
Immigration
- How the United States Immigration System Works
- Frequently Requested Statistics on Immigrants and Immigration in the United States
- What does legal immigration look like?
- Interfaith Platform on Humane Immigration Reform
DACA
Asylum
TPS
- TPS and DED holders by country
- TPS Terminations: Understanding the 9th Circuit’s Ramos Decision and How it Affects TPS Clients
Other
- Know Your Rights
- Directory for Low-cost or Free Legal Assistance in all 50 States
- Resources to Prepare for Raids
- Family preparedness plan
Refugees
- A Guide to the 14-Step Vetting Process
- Ten Facts About the Refugee Resettlement Process
- Practices to Strengthen Relations with Refugees and Muslims
Contact:
The Office of Government Relations
eppn@episcopalchurch.org