A Call to Advocacy: Immigration and Refugee Resources for Churches

As communities across the U.S. face ongoing challenges around immigration and refugee policies, we are reminded that all people deserve fair and humane treatment. Current practices continue to separate families and limit due process, leaving many vulnerable without the opportunity to defend their rights. Deportations, when they occur, must be carried out only when truly necessary—and always with dignity and fairness.

As Presbyterians, we affirm God’s care for the oppressed (Confession of Belhar) and our call to love and advocate for immigrant and refugee families (Deuteronomy 10:18).

To strengthen advocacy and allyship, we have compiled resources to support immigrant communities and equip those seeking to walk alongside them. We encourage congregations to share these tools and actively raise awareness in their communities.

Resources for Legal Help and Family Preparedness 

• Michigan Immigrant Rights Center – information on rights and family preparedness.
• Michigan Refugee Resettlement Program Resources by City
• ACLU: Know Your Rights – provides an overview of immigrants’ rights and how to reduce risk in different scenarios, including traffic stops, home raids, and arrests near the border.
• American Federation of Teachers (AFT) – Know Your Rights Information for Students and Families fact sheet with action steps and information to help schools and families prepare for immigration enforcement.

Resources for Advocacy, Education, and Allyship

• Immigration Advocates Network – Resources for advocates, organizers, and service providers.
• Grassroots Advocacy Skills Presentation – Presentation on engaging your congressperson on immigration.
• PC(USA) Disaster Assistance – Migration Accompaniment Ministries
• PC(USA) Immigration Resources
• Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC): Know Your Rights Toolkit resources for advocates and community members, including Know Your Rights, red cards, family preparedness plans, and a train-the-trainer toolkit to support advocates in holding a Know Your Rights presentation in your community.