Undocumented Persons

A Theological Framework

The Judeo-Christian tradition asserts that all nations and all peoples are under the jurisdiction of God, the One Sovereign. The Biblical witness to our common humanity underscores our responsibility to reach out to all persons regardless of national origin. When Solomon prayed for the people following the consecration of the Temple (I Kings 8) he embodied this ethic in his prayer:

"When a foreigner who lives in a distant land hears of your fame and of the great things you have done for your people and comes to worship you and to pray at this Temple, listen to his prayer. In heaven, where you live, hear him and do what he asks you to do, so that all the peoples of the world may know you and obey you, as your people Israel do. Then they will know that this Temple I have built is the place where you are to be worshiped." (I Kings 8:41-43, TEV)

Solomon's sensitivity to the foreigner was faithful to the experience of Israel. Abraham and Sarah sojourned in a strange land. Jacob's family fled Egypt to avoid famine. Ruth came to the foreign land of Israel out of loyalty to her mother-in-law. The words from the Exodus express the Law of the Lord requiring justice toward enemies: "Do not mistreat a foreigner; you know how it feels to be a foreigner, because you were foreigners in Egypt." (I Kings 23:9, TEV)

The New Testament also paints a vivid picture of the connection between being a foreigner and faith. Jesus and his family escaped to avoid political persecution (and, most likely, death). Perhaps he remembered more than we know when he told the elect: "I was a stranger, and you took me in...." (Matthew 25:35). Paul was chased from more than one foreign city for preaching the Gospel. Philip left Jerusalem and converted the Ethiopian monarch. Priscilla and her husband Aquila left home to follow Paul in his missionary work.

This theological background grounds compassion and concern for the stranger in our midst, the undocumented person, in the context of a desire to be faithful to the Biblical witness.

A Legal Framework

Asserting faithfulness to the Biblical witness has legal implications. The Old Testament prophets were consistently confronting the legal power of their day because the civil law and the people's actions did not conform to the Law of the Lord.[1]

We have just finished celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the commemoration of "Liberty Enlightening the World." As championed in Emma Lazarus' poem, "The New Colossus," Liberty asks other nations for "your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free...send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me. I lift my lamp beside the golden door." The ideals of our nation embrace Biblical hospitality, but our practice has been significantly more discriminatory. Even before the foundation of the Republic, the British wished to exclude other nationals from becoming colonists, hastening the War for American Independence.

The Current Situation

It is estimated that New York City is home to 400,000 to 750,000 undocumented persons, many of whom live and work in Queens.[2] They are our neighbors; they sit next to us in our churches.

Out of fear a high percentage of undocumented persons are "invisible." It is not always apparent which persons in a household are here "legally" and which persons are here "illegally."

One fear relates to arrest and deportation.[3] Not only are Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) guidelines contradictory, but also individuals often wait years for a ruling to clarify their status. Furthermore, INS guidelines are interpreted and enforced differently by various officials and according to the situation of particular localities. Another complication is that the definition of "refugee" changes with political interpretation.

A second fear is the reaction of American citizens. Myths and prejudices abound. On the one hand, scapegoating often focuses on persons called "illegal aliens." On the other hand, traditional distinctions between refugees and immigrants have become clouded; distinctions are further complicated by people who arrive with such visa classifications as "student" or "temporary worker." In reality, the input of "foreigners" often contributes to the general welfare of us all.[4]

Our Responsibility

Christian response is clearly to "welcome the stranger." In our situation this response often demands reconciling hostility as well as promoting hospitality.

Sometimes pastors are approached for counsel. There is a network of agencies available to guide the pastor and provide referral concerning legal, educational, medical and other services. It is the policy of the Queens Federation of Churches to connect pastors with the network of agencies. Indeed, the Queens Federation of Churches urges pastors to be aware of the network of agencies and to be supportive of individuals in their congregations who are undocumented.

Sometimes congregations become sensitized to the needs of undocumented men, women and children in our midst. The network of agencies ministering to refugees and undocumented immigrants is also available for the edification, support and aid of congregations who decide to deal with the complex of issues and problems surrounding undocumented persons. It is the policy of the Queens Federation of Churches to encourage congregations in carrying out such ministries.

It is incumbent on congregations in Queens to have what facts are available about undocumented persons from various countries for a variety of political, economic, and religious reasons. A primary concern is the reduction of fear on the part of undocumented persons and on the part of American citizens. A first step to reduce fear is to attack ignorance and prejudice.

One vital concern is for Christians to be aware of the legal rights of any person, even those presently considered residing "illegally."[5] In fact, the Queens Federation of Churches will periodically seek to make the basic rights known to pastors and congregations.

Since the welfare of hundreds of thousands of men, women and children is beyond the scope of congregations and denominations, it becomes evident that Federal, State and City legislation must be addressed, and government budgets must be evaluated by Christians concerned about the needs of these undocumented persons. The Queens Federation of Churches asserts that the feeding, clothing, sheltering, education and medical care for these persons is primarily the responsibility of our Federal, State and Local governments.

In like manner Federal laws and administration guidelines for both immigrants and refugees must be addressed. The Queens Federation of Churches deplores the present quota system which discriminates by race and political consideration. The Federation seeks justice for people who find it necessary to leave other countries and for people who wish to join relatives here in our country. The Federation is in favor of amnesty for undocumented persons and supports reform legislation that works toward the full human rights of uprooted persons who seek to become established here.

One perception that upsets American citizens is the idea that the flow of "foreigners" pushes established people out of work. In Queens, for example, there are many "entry" positions such as sewing, knitting, housekeeping, dishwashing, etc., that qualified workers refuse to take. Furthermore, it is the American experience that the new blood of immigrants has constantly improved our society. It is important to note that approximately 7 out of 10 undocumented persons can eventually become legal permanent residents and United States citizens. While being careful not to encourage economic exploitation, the Queens Federation of Churches is on record to support the input of new workers and fresh ideas. The Federation refutes the unfounded fear that citizens of Queens are being denied their right to work because of refugees or immigrants. As Christians we seek to further the welfare of all of God's family.

Our responsibility as Christians concerning the reality of refugees and immigrants is great. It is also a privilege. Thus, instead of viewing the undocumented persons as a threat, we see the possibilities as a challenge. We seek to be faithful to the God who brings us together.

Notes

1. Jeremiah 7:6-7 and 22:3; Ezekiel 22:1-12; Zachariah 7:10; Malachi 2:17-3:5.

2. Memo dated October 15, 1985 by Mayor Edward I. Koch.

3. "Forty-six immigrants were swept up by an INS task force June 17 in a raid on two Long Island factories." (United Methodist Newscope, Vol. 14, No. 28, July 11, 1986).

4. For an interesting perspective on this same problem 45 years ago, see Refugees in America.

5. See appendix on The Legal Rights of the Undocumented Immigrant.