Breaking News:

United Methodist National Agencies oppose current immigration bill.


Providing Stability for Immigrants

One of the greatest needs of the immigrants in our midst is a secure immigration status. After they have been granted legal permanent residence or filed appropriately for a status for which they are eligible, immigrants can apply for work permits; get Social Security numbers; get driver’s licenses; check into a hospital, take classes at a community college; and enjoy any number of benefits that most of us take for granted. They no longer live in fear. They can pay taxes; buy a home; become active in their children’s education and community programs; and study to become leaders in their churches. The key is adequate legal help in achieving the status for which they are eligible, but many cannot afford to hire an attorney. Justice for Our Neighbors has proven to be a great model for offering free legal services to low-income immigrants.


A Unique Project

Our first goal is to provide free legal services to low-income immigrants as they try to follow the complicated immigration laws and processes to obtain and retain their legal status in the United States. Our attorney is a Church and Community worker, paid a missionary salary. Most office costs have been donated as in-kind contributions, keeping costs very low. In 2003 our attorney advised and/or represented almost 500 clients, including new cases and unresolved cases from previous years with expenditures under $72,000. Using these figures, our “cost per client” was $144.


Faith-Based

Our second goal is to provide volunteers with opportunities for ministry with immigrants and to make volunteers informed advocates for the strangers in our midst. Our attorney brings expertise in United States immigration law and strengthens advocacy for immigrants in their churches, in their communities, and with their representatives in government.


Biblical Mandate

Bishop Palmer has appealed to us to welcome immigrants to our state. Our conference has made hospitality to strangers one of our priorities. One of our colleagues, Judy Kading, recently wrote that the Bible is really an immigration handbook, written by, for, and about immigrants. Think of the stories of Abraham and Sarah sent from their land to an unknown place. Joseph’s brothers went to Egypt for the same economic reasons that drive our friends from the south away from their homes into our strange land. Moses was a criminal alien fleeing for his life who returned to lead the Israelites out of political persecution to the promised land. Ruth followed Naomi to her homeland, and they were dependent on Boaz for food and life. The prophets often fled for their lives to strange lands. Jesus’ life started with a flight to Egypt, and his ministry was based on giving hope to the poor and welcoming the stranger.

Recognizing our biblical mandate provides the faith basis for Justice for Our Neighbors. Because our volunteers are motivated by their desire to provide hospitality, clients are put at ease by the welcoming atmosphere of JFON clinics.

 


Visit these links to learn more about JFON:
National JFON
Other United Methodist Church Immigration Ministries
Contact Us