Support for Twin Cities Immigrant Neighbors
The Federal Immigration Enforcement surge here in Minnesota has created chaos in all our lives and is a special terror to foreign born Minnesotans and other neighbors of color who are living in fear and threats of harassment, detainment, and deportation. While no easy solutions exist for this ongoing crisis, we do have ways to take action and support immigrant neighbors in resistance to evils around us.
Church staff and lay ministry leaders remain at work to assist vulnerable members of our congregation and ministry partners. We encourage the entire congregation to utilize this resource hub for a variety of ways you can witness God's peace and justice in these troubling times.
Learn more about why the current immigration crisis requires a Christian response with this essay from TransformMN.
Show your support and encouragement for our fellow immigrant congregations by joining together for an afternoon of prayer and unity on Saturday, January 31st from 2-4pm at Bloomington Covenant Church.
Consider shopping at immigrant owned businesses in your neighborhoods while their sales might be impacted.
If you or someone you know is concerned about status, knowing your constitutional rights is important. There are a number of helpful online “tool kits” including a comprehensive list of rights and legal resources as well as this printable business card to keep on your person if you encounter Immigration & Customs Enforcement (find printed copies also in the church lobby)
For public policy advocacy, read about these recommendations from the National Association of Evangelicals and write your representatives to lift the refugee ban and support bipartisan immigration reform (encourage your family and friends outside the Twin Cities to contact their representatives as well).
Consider a contribution to the Northwest Conference "Mission Friends Crisis Fund" to help local immigrant Covenant congregations with legal fees, bonds, groceries, and other practical needs.
Arrive Ministries is looking for volunteers as they seek to keep resettled refugees safe and supported while they might be vulnerable to detention.
Call or text your friends and neighbors who are foreign-born to check-in and let them know you care. The most impactful work comes from the personal relationships we already have with our neighbors.