Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Rockville

Immigration Action Group

Opportunity for Change:  Immigration Working Paper

Fall, 2013

Because Congress has maintained strict limits on legal immigration for decades, over 11 million undocumented immigrants are living and working within U.S. borders without a path to citizenship. Millions of families and individuals are living in the shadows, unable to advocate for themselves or their children. More importantly, they live in constant fear of incarceration in federal detention centers and deportation. Families often have some members that are undocumented while others are U.S. citizens, leading to situations in which parents are deported while their citizen children are forced into state custody.

As Unitarian Universalists, we approach this complex and inhumane situation from the strong moral foundation of our principles. At least three of these inform our study and actions:

1. We      believe in the inherent worth and dignity of every person. (Principle #1)
2. We      believe in justice, equity, and compassion in human relations. (Principle      #2)
3. The      goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all. (Principle      #6)

As measured against these principles, our immigration laws that have resulted in deprivation of rights, constant fear and family breakup need to change.

As a faith community we need to be informed about the challenges and possible solutions and then act based on our commitment to our principles and in community with the many immigrants, both documented and undocumented, who live, work and worship among us. This paper also affirms the work at the 2013 UUA General Assembly where the delegates adopted an immigration statement of conscience[1]. Today’s political climate indicates that change at the federal level may be possible. Now is the time to be involved in this important debate.

On June 17, 2013 the Senate voted 68-32 to pass a bill (S. 744) that offers significant relief to the 11 million aspiring citizens and promotes changes to the lawful immigration system (“future flow”) that may reduce the likelihood of future increases in undocumented persons. The Immigration Action Group wishes to enhance conversations that you have with others on this important subject, to support a call to action, and work to further the statement of conscience adopted by the UUA.  We therefore present the following brief summary of S. 744:

1. Path      to Citizenship.    

• Challenge: Families wait years, sometimes decades, to be reunited due to tremendous visa backlogs. For undocumented immigrants in the U.S. there is no clear path to staying legally, nor are there reasonable opportunities for those wanting to immigrate in the future.
• Legislation:  The bill permits undocumented immigrants under certain conditions to obtain a visa and after ten years to become legal permanent residents (LPRs), achieving the coveted “green card.” They may then apply for citizenship after three years of LPR status.  This path has layers of accountability, including: payment of fees and taxes, learning English, background checks and other requirements. Farm workers have somewhat different conditions which can lead to citizenship much sooner. Undocumented youth (called DREAMers) may also achieve citizenship more quickly.

2. Non-Immigrant      Visas

• Challenge: Flawed guest worker programs leave migrant laborers vulnerable to exploitation.
• Legislation: Through revisions to visa programs, legislation provides more flexibility for employers, and greater worker protections, including the ability to apply for permanent residency. Opportunities for lesser-skilled and agricultural workers are included in the bill.

3. Border      Security and Enforcement

• Challenge: Thousands have suffered and many have died in the process of entering the U.S. without documents.    State and local governments have written their own laws. Local law enforcement officials have been turned into federal immigration enforcers. Despite $18 billion spent on enforcement last year and substantial militarization of the border, there is a call for still tighter border control.
• Legislation: The legislation requires a much greater financial commitment to and significant increases in border security before the immigrant registration programs take effect. The Department of Homeland Security is required to undergo greater levels of training to decrease violence at the border.

4. Treatment      of Immigrants in the US (Interior Enforcement)  

• Challenge: The immigration court and detention systems are broken, and result in unjust penalties, raids, and detentions. Immigrants have limited representation. Detention is used unnecessarily, and conditions in detention centers are often inhumane.
• Legislation:  Reforms the immigration court system to improve due process and protect workers, including additional resources for the court system, more training for judges and staff. Increases oversight of detention facilities and offers alternatives to detention. The bill would provide for short, specific time frames for kinds of detention.

Addressing the Future

The bill also treats the problems of huge backlogs for current visa applicants and creates a new system for determining the quotas for lawful entry from the countries of the world community. While it is not possible for one piece of legislation to solve all parts of such a complex system as immigration presents, S. 744 is the best hope for achieving humane treatment of undocumented immigrants in the last 27 years. While the dramatic increase in spending and staffing for border security are very troubling the Immigration Action Group of UUCR believes that the Senate bill, though imperfect, strikes a balance that provides the best hope for the 11 million aspiring citizens living in America. We will work with the Congregation, the UUA, and the immigrant reform communities across the D.C. area to promote the best possible federal solution consistent with our Unitarian Universalist values.

We ask that you consider contacting your representatives to act in behalf of immigration reform on these issues. If needed you will find a listing of names at  www.contactingthecongress.org.

[1] Find the immigration statement of conscience: www.uua.org/immigration/re/moral

For more information contact:  Adriana Brigatti and David Strauss, co-chairs of UUCR’s Immigration Action Group