“Hospitality for the uprooted is a way to live out the biblical call to love the neighbor in response to God’s love in Jesus Christ.” ELCA Message on Immigration, 1998

 

LAMPa assists congregations create welcoming communities and oppose legislation that would target immigrants for unjust treatment or seek to deny refugee resettlement efforts.  This includes legislation that would force local municipalities to use their own resources to assist Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, thereby threatening trust between local law enforcement and their communities. Such practices tend to decrease public safety.  LAMPa will advocate for drivers’ licenses for all who qualify, regardless of citizenship status, as a way of combatting poverty as well as promoting safety and security on our roadways and in our communities.

 

LAMPa will continue to work to strengthen laws to prevent and protect victims of human trafficking.

 

LAMPa collaborates with AMMPARO (Accompanying Migrant Minors with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities) ,  Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) and other partners to address state and federal legislation that impacts refugees, immigrants and human trafficking concerns.

 

The ELCA’s strategy to Accompanying Migrant Minors with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities (AMMPARO) was envisioned after witnessing the plight of children who are forced to flee their communities because of complex and interrelated reasons, including chronic violence, poverty, environmental displacement and lack of opportunities in El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala. Due to our connection to companion churches in the region, including companion synod relationships, and existing ministries in the U.S., the ELCA is well-positioned to help ensure that these vulnerable children are protected. Learn more about AMMPARO.

 

LIRS works with refugees, children, and migrants to ensure they are protected and welcomed into local communities throughout the United States. Our faith and our nation’s values compel LIRS to respond compassionately to the worst refugee crisis in history, with over 22.5 million refugees worldwide. Through LIRS services, unaccompanied children, refugees, and migrants obtain access to protection, integration, justice, and stability. Learn more.