Iowa Justice For Our Neighbors

When the largest ICE immigration raid in history took place in at Agriprocessors in Postville, Iowa, Rose Mraz, our full-time Iowa JFON attorney, responded with other immigration attorneys to the needs of the workers. This was a difficult time for all, and Iowa JFON felt that offering legal aid during this challenging process fit our mission to provide legal services to low-income immigrants.

One of the greatest needs of the "sojourners 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 childrens' education and community programs; and study to become leaders in their churches.

A Unique Project

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. 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. One of our attorneys 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 Service

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

Biblical Mandate

Iowa Area Resident Bishop Gregory V. 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 and 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 started life as a refugee 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.

Iowa JFON welcomes donations from anyone interested in helping with this ministry. All donations are processed using a secure connection available on the Iowa Conference of the UMC website. Use the link below; then use the drop down menu to select "Iowa Jusfice For Our Neighbors" to complete your donation.

Iowa Conference Secure Server