Immigration Resources and Advocacy
Compiled Jan. 27, 2025, and Updated Feb. 26, 2025
As a new presidential administration and congress begin, many changes are anticipated in immigration policy that may cause a great deal of harm to those in our communities and in our congregations. Episcopalians in the Diocese of Massachusetts and across the church have expressed concern for immigrants, including refugees, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, those here without authorization, and even those who are citizens or here with appropriate documentation who may be detained in an immigration raid.
The current federal administration recently rescinded long-established Department of Homeland Security policy that named houses of worship, as well as schools and hospitals, as “protected places” where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) would not enter. This change has created much fear and uncertainty in churches, synagogues and houses of worship.
The following list of training opportunities, advocacy resources, and worship and study materials has been compiled to help the people of our diocese respond.
IMMIGRATION UPDATES
with The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations and Episcopal Migration Ministries
Note: These Zoom calls occur regularly, with upcoming sessions on
March 4, 11, 18 & 25 at 1 p.m. REGISTER HERE
"KNOW YOUR RIGHTS TRAINING FOR FAITH LEADERS"
presented on Jan. 28 by the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office and the Office of Immigrants and Refugees, and hosted by the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston
and the Massachusetts Council of Churches
VIDEO RECORDING
EPISCOPAL CITY MISSION
Guidance for handling immigration enforcement actions on church property
FIND THE FULL RESOURCE HERE
MASSACHUSETTS IMMIGRANT & REFUGEE ADVOCACY (MIRA) COALITION
Know Your Rights Resources
Whether you’re a U.S. citizen, a green card holder, a student on a visa, or undocumented, you have legal rights. Use the link below to find resources for advocates, service providers and allies who want to help ensure that immigrants know their rights in different contexts, including pre-recorded webinars, hand-outs and printable know-your-rights cards in multiple languages.
Protecting Our Immigrant Communities Campaign
INFORMATION HERE
LEGAL RESOURCES FOR IMMIGRANT FAMILIES
Immigrant Defense Hotline: 617-988-0606
As threats targeting immigrant families and communities intensify, Lawyers for Civil Rights is deploying the full force of its legal and community networks to protect families. The Immigrant Defense Hotline expands access to timely and free legal advice for immigrants facing imminent threats related to immigration enforcement, such as immigration raids or mass deportations. The hotline is staffed with attorneys from LCR's staff and pro bono network. Callers who leave a message will receive a same-day response to questions about immigration enforcement and reports of immigration raids. LCR will track activity closely with community partners and mobilize legal and policy advocacy to protect immigrant families.
Get Involved:
Community Partners: Please share information about the Immigrant Defense Hotline (617-988-0606) with your clients, members, and broader community. Encourage immigrants to reach out directly for help and to report immigration enforcement in your communities.
Attorneys and Law Firms: Pro bono support will keep the Immigrant Defense Hotline up and running. Training will be provided for volunteers.
Know Your Rights Resources:
LCR is leading a series of Know-Your-Rights presentations in immigrant communities in collaboration with allies and community partners. They are also developing fact sheets and toolkits for broad dissemination to increase awareness of protections under the law. These resources address critical topics, including how to prepare for an ICE raid and family planning strategies for undocumented families and mixed-status households.
LAWYERS FOR CIVIL RIGHTS
Please contact hotline@lawyersforcivilrights.org to get involved, to schedule a Know-Your-Rights presentation, or request palm cards, toolkits or fact sheets for your community.
Immigration Information, Action Alerts and Worship & Study Materials
Click on the links below to find immigration resources and opportunities for action that may help your congregations, networks, and communities to respond now and in the months ahead.
Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations Immigration Action Toolkit
Episcopal Migration Ministries Advocacy Resources
Episcopal Migration Ministries Study and Worship Materials
Episcopal Migration Ministries Essential Resources for Immigrant Families
Southern New England Conference, UCC: Resources for Churches Regarding Immigration Enforcement
Office of the Attorney General of Massachusetts: Resources for Immigrants
Office of the Attorney General of Massachusetts: Planning Guide for Families
Safe Schools for Every Student: A Comprehensive Guide for Action
National Immigration Law Center
American Civil Liberties Union Immigrants’ Rights
Welcome.US Contacting Your Federal Representatives: A Guide for Sponsors and Welcomers
Boston Immigration Justice Accompaniment Network (BIJAN)
Immigrant Legal Resource Center: 10 Things Noncitizen Protestors Need to Know