Immigration Resources and Advocacy

Keeping Your Congregation Safe: Immigration Resources and Advocacy 

Rev. Iris de León-Hartshorn, MC USA associate executive director of Operations

Rev. Iris de León-Hartshorn, MC USA associate executive director of Operations 

I keep getting asked, how do I keep my congregation safe? Sadly, there is no 100% way to keep your congregation safe. The best way to keep your congregations as protected as possible is to work with your local immigration organizations. They would have the best on-the-ground read of your context. Each jurisdiction, county and city/town enforces laws differently. Your congregation’s location makes a difference on how you should respond. At the national level, MC USA can’t know each context. This is an opportunity to engage with groups in your community. Always err on the side of safety. 

Theological 

• MC USA Churchwide Statement on Immigration (2014 Revision of 2003 Statement) 

Webinars 

MC USA webinar recording 

• Following Jesus during Challenging Times: What does it mean to provide sanctuary to undocumented people? View it in English or Spanish 

Mennonite Central Committee webinar recording 

• Invitation to hospitality and solidarity with immigrant communities. View it here.  

Resources 

 Below are links to immigration advocacy resources and organizations  

What to Do if ICE Comes to Your Church | Sojourners (article with links) 

Immigrant Legal Resource Center  

• Red Cards (print your own in 19 languages) 

• Legal services directory (free or low cost) 

• Immigration Preparedness Toolkit | el plan de preparación de inmigración  

Mennonite Central Committee: Support immigrant neighbors   

National Immigrant Justice Center | en español 

• Know your rights | Conozca Sus Derechos  

U.S. Department of Justice – Executive Office for Immigration Review 

• Recognized organizations and accredited legal representatives  

We Have Rights  

Video Series: 

• When ICE is Outside Our Doors 

• Inside Our Homes 

• In Our Communities, In Our Streets 

• If ICE Arrests Us 

• When Documenting ICE Arrests 

For Allies 

Central District Conference  

• Resources: Communities of Refuge and Hope 

MCC Immigration law training | Akron, Pennsylvania | April 28-May 2, 2025 | There is a registration fee.  

Mosaic Mennonite Conference Resources 

• Know your rights training (sample outline for localized training program) 

• Support immigrants within your conference (sample handout in English and Spanish) 

• Mustard Seed House: What to consider before hosting immigrants in your home or meeting house 

Witness Media Lab: How to document ICE – Online toolkit at link that includes: 

• Video in English and en español 

• Downloadable tip sheets in English, Spanish, Arabic, Haitian Creole, French, Urdu