Immigration

The West and Southwest IAF organizations are actively working at federal, state and local levels so that immigrant families can participate more fully in public life.

Local affiliates bring native-born and foreign-born constituents into conversation around the theology and economics of immigration, to educate recent newcomers with financial and know-your-rights toolkits and to support policies which protect families while defeating those which would unfairly penalize undocumented immigrants for their status.  In California, affiliates have changed vehicle impoundment laws in urban municipalities and equipped thousands of individuals with government sanctioned photo-ID cards; the Arizona network has blocked scores of state level anti-immigrant bills; affiliates in Iowa have led voter education initiatives on the fiscal and economic impacts of immigration; and Texas organizations have launched civic academies in religious and civic participation. All immigration initiatives are rooted in the faith and democratic teachings of member institutions and seek to connect leaders across race, ethnic and language lines.

Press:

Religious Groups Deep in New Mexico Driver’s License Fight as Part of Larger Immigration Reform Battle, Albuquerque Journal (09/09/11)

Easing of Impoundment Policies in Sonoma County…, Press Democrat (02/26/11)

Arizona Girds for Immigration Law, Wall Street Journal (07/24/10)

Many Churches, One Plea, New York Times (07/05/10)