Illegal Immigrants Find Refuge In Churches

Raids and arrests of unlawful immigrants have steadily increased along with the political activity surrounding comprehensive immigration reform. Many community, charitable and religious organizations have been reaching out to help protect unlawful immigrants from immigration enforcement officers.

Once such organization is the New Sanctuary Movement (NSM.) The NSM is an extension of the multi-denominational Sanctuary Movement that was founded in the 1980's during the Central American refugee crisis to assist refugee families. The NSM is a revival of the original movement which was spurred on by the recent increase in abuse of illegal aliens in the workplace, human rights violations, and the increase in immigration enforcement raids.

The stated goals of the NSM are:

1. To protect immigrant workers and families from unjust deportation
2. To change the public debate
3. To awaken the moral imagination of the country
4. To make visible immigrant workers and families as children of God

The NSM is refocusing the debate on immigration reform and forcing America to focus on the humanitarian and moral issues associated with immigration. The organization is a great resource for unlawful immigrants and community organizations who wish to help them.

Currently, many immigrants have sought and received asylum in their local churches. Although, churches have no legal authority to protect unlawful immigrants, immigration enforcement officers are reluctant and often do not raid churches. As a result, unlawful immigrants may be able to find some level of protection from deportation in their local church.

For more information about the NSM, visit their website at:

http://www.newsanctuarymovement.org/