Caring for and Embracing the Immigrant Community in Faith Amid Uncertainty and Fear

A Spanish version of this article is available. Click here to read it.

As United Methodists, our faith calls us to care for and accompany our immigrant neighbors in light of scripture, the example of Jesus, our Wesleyan theology, and our baptismal and membership vows. God’s Word reminds us: “Any immigrant who lives with you must be treated as if they were one of your citizens. You must love them as yourself, because you were immigrants in the land of Egypt; I am the LORD your God” (Leviticus 19:34, CEB).

Jesus himself was a stranger, and in his childhood, he had to flee with his family to Egypt (Mathew 2:13-15 CEB). In his ministry, he taught us, “I was hungry and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me” (Matthew 25:35 CEB). Following the spirit of John Wesley, who called us to live in both personal and social holiness, we understand that discipleship is expressed through acts of love and justice, especially by protecting those who are most vulnerable, including our immigrant brothers and sisters.

Our Social Principles, under “The Political Community,” section G, state that we affirm the God-given dignity and rights of migrants, immigrants, refugees, and all displaced persons, recognizing their particular vulnerability amid today’s global crises of war, hunger, climate change, and government failures. As United Methodists, we are called to welcome them into our congregations, offering concrete support such as food, housing, education, and help navigating immigration systems. We stand against laws and policies that criminalize or dehumanize displaced people, reject the separation of families and inhumane detention practices, and denounce the existence of for-profit detention centers.

When we make our baptismal vows, we commit ourselves as individuals to follow and serve Jesus Christ as our Lord, in union with the Church, which Christ has opened to people of all ages, nations, and races (The Baptism Covenant, United Methodist Hymnal, p. 34).
As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are called to embody love and hospitality, especially in times of fear and uncertainty. In many immigrant communities, the threat of ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) raids brings anxiety, trauma, and family separation. Churches have a unique role: to be a refuge, to raise a prophetic voice for justice, and to become a source of hope.

What follows is guidance on how we can orient ourselves in offering care to our immigrant neighbors—care rooted in love, grace, hope, faithfulness, and wisdom.

Immigration, Law & Justice Network (ILJ Network), formerly known as Justice for Our Neighbors, provides legal services and immigration support. It is deeply committed to serving immigrants seeking legal status in the United States, offering expert legal counsel, free or at low cost, as well as advocacy and support services. Through affiliated sites across the country, they work for justice for all those they serve, while also providing a sense of safety, trust, and belonging.

ILJ Network has developed the bilingual resource Conozca sus Derechos / Know Your Rights. These materials summarize the Trump administration's immigration policies and their impact. The bilingual resource will help us understand the immigration policy landscape and share vital legal information about how to protect people and the community.

These resources provide answers to many common questions, such as:

• What is a raid, and why are they happening now?
• What to do if ICE stops you.
• How to check whether there is a judicial warrant.

Other Suggested Resources:

AMICA, Center for Immigrant Rights 

The Amica Center for Immigrant Rights—formerly CAIR Coalition—engages in unwavering legal defense and strategic litigation for immigrant children and adults facing detention and deportation. Everyone deserves access to due process and legal representation, and the Amica Center works every day to make that a reality.

Immigration Advocates Network 
This organization provides a national directory of immigration legal services. 

Conferences warned of ICE operation targeting undocumented children, UM News (October 12, 2025).

Church World Service reacts to plan to deport minors, UM News (October 6, 2025). To learn more about Church World Service’s work with unaccompanied children, including its Home Study and Post-Release Services programs, or to speak with Lemonda, please contact [email protected].  

Important ICE Raids Statement from Bishop Julius Trimble, Church and Society

Called to Journey, Called to Welcome: A Biblical Perspective on Immigration, General Board of Church and Society.

This new Bible study on immigration was written by Rev. Kendal McBroom, Director of Civil and Human Rights at Church and Society, in collaboration with Dr. Robert Foster of the North Georgia Annual Conference and Senior Lecturer in Religion and New Testament at the University of Georgia.

The purpose of the study is for participants to engage, connect, and discuss immigration from a biblical perspective:

• To recognize the call to be hospitable
• To understand the principle of God’s “Blessing Beyond Borders”
• To navigate faithful risk and sacred welcome

You can download the Immigration Bible Study PDF here or purchase it at a discount on the GBCS (General Board of Church and Society) online store.
Bible study titled Immigration and the Bible: A Guide for Radical Welcome, developed by United Women in Faith.
United Methodist Women in Faith has also produced a free Racial Justice Timeline in English, Spanish, and Korean.  

Immigration Justice Resources from the United Methodist Board of Church and Society.

Vital Conversations on Immigration, GCORR (General Commission on Religion and Race.

Please familiarize yourself with these resources so you can provide the most effective care to our immigrant population and educate your congregation and the surrounding community. Let us remember that providing care is not a matter of charity but a biblical mandate and an act of justice.

Prayer: 
God of refuge and strength, you received us when we were strangers and walked with us when we were afraid. Surround our immigrant brothers and sisters with your protection. Grant them courage, dignity, and peace. Inspire us, your church, to be a place of refuge and solidarity until your justice flows like rivers and your love is known by all. In the name of Jesus, who was also a refugee, we pray. Amen.