You shall also love the stranger,
for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.
(Deuteronomy 10:19)

Our thanks to Pastor Rev. Dr. George Cummings and the people or Imani Community Church for hosting our Fall Gathering on October 10th, 2006. About 30 colleagues gathered to hear about Immigration issues from Mr. Mark Silverman, Director of Immigration Policy for the Immigrant Legal Resource Center in San Francisco.

After a magnificent lunch featuring jambalaya and peach cobbler, we heard a panel discussion of the issues raised with guests from different communities and religious traditions:

• Rev. Lucy Kaolin
  Pastor, Resurrection Lutheran, Oakland
• Rev. Jesus Nieto
  Pastor, St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Oakland
• Rev. Jeffrey Parker
  Pastor, Community Reformed Church, Oakland

During the presentations and follow-up, several people asked how to find reliable information and resources for dealing with immigration issues. Here are some of the resources that were mentioned:

• The Immigrant Legal Resource Center
  • A number of resources and publications are available in both English and Spanish on immigration laws and immigration reform. There are print publications and downloadable files.
  • ILRC offers a monthly informational meeting for immigrants and those working with them in the Bay Area.
  • Mark Silverman is willing to respond to questions: mark@ilrc.org
• Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service
  • News, Information and Resources and Links
• Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
  Statement on Immigration
• Interfaith Statement on Immigration Concerns [pdf]
• Justice for Immigrants
  Catholic Campaign for Immigrant Reform
• American Immigration Lawyers Association:
  referrals to immigration attorneys
• Catholic Legal Immigration Network Inc. (CLINIC)
  Catholic Charities groups that aid immigrants
• Justice Department Executive Office of Immigration Review
  lists of free and low cost legal assistance [CA].
• National Immigration Forum
  fact sheets and policy updates
• US Citizenship and Immigration Services
  a division of Homeland Security; provides frequently asked questions information
• US Department of State
  applying for immigrant and non-immigrant visas outside the US. See "Visas" under "Travel and Business"