Posted: 1/21/05
How can churches help
undocumented immigrants?
Based on information provided by the Baptist General Convention of Texas immigration task force. For more information, contact Jim Young, director of the BGCT Missions Equipping Center, at (888) 311-3900.
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Q. Can a church get in trouble for helping an undocumented immigrant?
A. It depends on the kind of help offered.
Q. What kind of assistance is permitted?
A. A church is free to provide basic benevolence services–food, clothing, shelter and medical help–to anyone.
Q. Is a church obligated to ask about anyone's immigration status?
A. Normally, the only time a church needs to ask is before hiring someone.
Q. Is there ever a time when a church would be required to determine someone's immigration status before providing basic benevolence?
A. If a church receives government funds for its community benevolence program, the government might require recipients to present legal identification.
Q. Is a pastor or church leader under any legal obligation to report an undocumented immigrant?
A. No.
Q. Can a church get in trouble for employing an undocumented immigrant?
A. Yes. And employment extends beyond church staff positions. If a church provides benevolence ministry to an undocumented immigrant and he or she offers to mow the yard, paint a room or perform some other service for the church in gratitude, that can present a legal problem.
Q. Can a church help people fill out forms and help them with immigration issues?
A. Yes, but it is advisable to obtain expert advice from an attorney who specializes in immigration law.
Additional Resources on Immigration:
• Proposed federal Legislation to Legalize Undocumented Farm Workers: The Agricultural Jobs, Opportunity, Benefits, and Security Act of 2003
• Undocumented Immigrants: Fact and Figures from the Urban Institute Immigration Studies Program, 2004
• The Border Security and immigration Reform Act of 2003, section by section summary
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