
On January 23 Mid-Atlantic CBF joined with The DC Baptist Convention to host a zoom call for churches to learn how they can protect the immigrants in their congregations.
We are happy to share a written summery of the meeting below and answers to questions discovered after the meeting.
Here are links to important websites.
NILC Warrants: https://www.nilc.org/resources/warrants-and-subpoenas-facts/
NILC Protected Areas: https://www.nilc.org/resources/factsheet-trumps-rescission-of-protected-areas-policies-undermines-safety-for-all/
Justice for all toolkit. https://www.justice4all.org/rapid-response-toolkit/#PLAN
Here is a link to our drop box where you will find the slides from the meeting and other helpful Resources for Churches.
Church and Immigrants Conversation (hosted by MACBF and DCBC)
January 23, 2025 via Zoom (AI Meeting Summary)
Welcome & Prayer
Trisha (DCBC) welcomed everyone and read a reflection by Muriel Lester found in Baptist Wisdom for Contemplative Prayer, p.134. After praying, she introduced Sean (MACBF) who outlined the evening’s agenda and invited presenters to share.
Supporting Immigrants in Churches Discussed
Sean initiated a discussion about the new administration's removal of safe places for immigrants and the potential impact on churches. He emphasized the need for preparation and support for congregations and invited experts to share their knowledge. Ashley, an immigration attorney, and Ray (IM ABC-USA), a global consultant for refugees and immigrants, introduced themselves and shared their experiences. Elket (CBF), a Global Migration Advocate, also shared his role and experiences. The conversation ended with Ashley sharing a PowerPoint presentation on basic legal rights and tangible strategies for churches to support immigrants. The panelists agreed to send out a fact sheet from the National Immigration Law Center and the Legal Aid Justice Center for further reference.
Immigration Policies and Church Risks
Ashley discussed the changes in immigration policies and the potential risks for churches and places of worship. She emphasized the importance of understanding the difference between public and private spaces and the types of warrants required for each. Ashley also highlighted the need for churches to have a written response policy and a preparedness plan in place. She suggested that churches could designate a private area for members only and encouraged the use of written and video documentation for interactions with law enforcement. Even if using video, written documentation is essential. Ashley also addressed the risks of harboring undocumented immigrants and the potential legal implications for churches. She concluded by stating that there are resources available for immigrants caught up in ICE stings.
Immigration Laws and Community Implications
In the meeting, Ashley, Elket, Trisha, and Ray discussed the implications of the new immigration laws and their potential impact on communities. They highlighted the risks of mandatory detention for those charged with or arrested for theft or assault, and the potential for increased surveillance and informants. They also discussed the importance of building trust with immigrant communities and the need for churches to be cautious about sharing information. Ashley mentioned that she would reach out to her colleague to update a best practices guide for churches. The team also discussed the potential for increased tension between state and federal enforcement, and the need for vigilance in sharing information about immigration status.
Immigration Processes and Potential Changes
The discussion covers several key points regarding immigration processes in the United States and potential upcoming changes under the new administration. Ashley explains that the processes for obtaining green cards and citizenship are still ongoing but very limited, as there are narrow eligibility requirements. Elket suggests that the administration may implement further restrictions beyond just cracking down on illegal immigration, such as extending the pause on refugee resettlement, imposing travel bans, or even a broader visa moratorium. There is concern about the risks involved for undocumented individuals pursuing a green card through marriage if they have to leave the country for consular processing amid potential new travel restrictions. Ashley differentiates between the civil administrative immigration court process for deportation cases and criminal charges related to illegal entry or re-entry, which can carry jail sentences. The experts aim to provide clarity amidst the evolving immigration policy landscape under the new administration.
Gratitude, Asylum Concerns, and Future Plans
Sean expressed gratitude for the panelists' attendance and the valuable information shared. He mentioned that he and Trisha would work on sharing information through email and possibly organizing future events. Ray shared his disappointment and concern about the asylum process being halted, while Elket emphasized the importance of serving the Lord regardless of political times. Ashley and Elket were thanked for their contributions. The conversation ended with a closing prayer led by Sean.
NOTE FROM HOSTS: The capacity for the meeting was 100 participants. While we knew there was a concern among the MACBF and DCBC churches, we were uncertain how many would join us. It was a wonderful testament to the work of God in our congregations to have so many participate. Unfortunately, there were many who were unable to get in due to capacity limits. We will increase the capacity of participants in the future.
Here are the answers from specific questions posed during the meeting. They are from a lawyer with Legal Aid Justice Center:
· How can we protect our undocumented neighbors who attend church-sponsored events like food drives? How do we create a designated private space when people usually drive up in their cars to collect food?
Cars are in public space, they are very exposed and unprotected constitutionally speaking. To make those events safer they should be inside, require registration, and have someone at the door checking off names. If that is not feasible, inside at least, with proximity to a private space.
· If a church is renting a space (for example, a school building), do the same constitutional rights apply with reasonable expectations of privacy? For example, can a classroom be designated as a "private area" on Sunday mornings when church is in session? Or are there different requirements because it's a temporary use of another entity.
Yes, the same protections apply for churches that rent their space. And yes, great idea about designating a classroom.
· Tips/reminders for undocumented congregants to be careful who they share status-related information with in church setting, especially people they don't know. (That's not so much a question as a recommendation to possibly include in future versions of their factsheet)
I added this to the update video recording I just did that will be on our website shortly. Great point. https://www.justice4all.org/rapid-response-toolkit/#PLAN
· There was also a lot of concern about whether (or how) to make announcements or publicly speak out about this issue, for fear that it may attract ICE to target its church and congregants.
That is a valid concern. I think this should be done discreetly, through channels of trusted volunteers.