Welcome the Stranger

For if you truly amend your ways and your doings, if you truly act justly one with another, if you do not oppress the alien, the orphan, and the widow, or shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not go after other gods to your own hurt, then I will dwell with you in this place, in the land that I gave of old to your ancestors for ever and ever.
- Jeremiah 7:5-7

Photo: Bread for the World

The Bread for the World Institute has studied immigration-related issues for several years now.  The effort has focused on examining the economic and political structural problems in the home countries (Central America and Mexico) of would-be immigrants that contribute to their need to come to the U.S. for a better life.

Andrew Wainer, an immigration specialist, has written several pieces for the Institute, The Huffington Post and other publications   For example, here are links to some great pieces: a policy paper on Farm Workers and Immigration,  a policy paper on Remittances and Repatriation in Central America an article on Remittances and Immigration, and a piece on The Agricultural 99 Percent. 

The Institute, which also publishes our annual hunger reports, is the equivalent of Bread for the World's think tank/ The research provides valuable background and analysis to advocates, academics and policymakers.

But immigration and poverty are often related, and we are determining how best to address this with our advocacy efforts within Bread for the World.  Stay tuned.

Faith Coalition Sponsors Event in Albuquerque
There is a strong effort by the faith community in Albuquerque, via the The New Mexico Faith Coalition for Immigrant Justice, to advocate for the rights of immigrants (undocumented and documented) in our communities.  The coalition extends you an invitation to attend a great program:

Welcome the Stranger: Recovering Core Values Around Immigration

A presentation by the Green Valley/Sahuarita, AZ Samaritans

Tuesday, March 5, 6:30 p.m.
 First Congregational Church (corner of Girard and Lomas)

The featured presenters are Shura Wallin & Rev. Dr. Randy Mayer, co-founders of the Green Valley/Sahuarita, AZ Samaritans

The Samaritans Mission is to save lives in the desert. They search the desert for migrants; offer water, food and first aid to those found suffering; collect trash and possessions left behind; educate about migrant issues; and assist in providing humanitarian aid to returnees to Mexico.

Here's what the coalition wants you to ponder:
Consider the alarming statistics of border deaths, the emphasis on border security and the deportation of 400,000 people last year. The ongoing focus of the administration to strengthen border security as the first requirement of immigration reform is of great concern to immigrant and allied communities. We need to put a human face on immigration and work towards comprehensive immigration policy that is just and humane.

Small group discussions will follow the presentation, and lead to action.

For more information, contact: Pedro Ramos Goycolea at 510-289-3346