WE NEED MORE IMMIGRANTS, NOT LESS
Mark 12:31 "The second [commandment] is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
 
Romans 13:9-10  “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law.
 
Over the past several years the SJRAISE newsletter articles have used the teachings of Jesus to show the need of justice for immigrants. There has been little progress in immigration legislation. Yet, the love for our neighbor would lead us towards fair, humane and comprehensive immigration legislative reform. On Jul 15, 2019, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry spoke to the issue of immigration in a video. In the video he asks, “Who is my neighbor?” He concludes, “When you welcome the stranger, you welcome Jesus.” To welcome the stranger is to follow in the way of Jesus.

For some the gospel is not enough to encourage change. People sometimes listen to their pocket books first. Welcoming the stranger would be good for the US economy. The following is an economic argument to welcome the immigrant:

1.      A nation’s economic stability, strength and growth is one of the foundations of its national security.(1)
2.      Economic stability, strength and growth is dependent upon having more people working, preferably at good paying jobs and not being exploited by their employers.
3.      Due to the falling birth rate, the rising death rate and the retirement of the baby boom generation the US does not have enough workers to maintain economic stability, strength and growth.(2)
4.      The US will need more workers to maintain adequate funding of its infrastructure, safety net programs like Social Security and healthcare programs like Medicare.(3)
5.      At this time the only way for America to maintain its national security and economic stability is by importing workers; both fundamental low- skilled workers and high-skilled workers.(4)
 
AMERICA IS AGING

America is an aging country with more people dying than being born. (4). Population change in a country is the result of deaths, births, and immigration into that country. Population growth from July 1, 2020, through July 1, 2021, was 0.12%. This is the lowest population growth since the Census Bureau began collecting such statistics in 1900. The rising death rate was exacerbated by the almost 1 million deaths from Covid since March 2020.

THE US HAS A FALLING BIRTH RATE.
American women are not having enough babies to replenish the number of people dying.(5) Statistically there needs to be 2.1 children born per woman of child-bearing age in order for a population to remain stable with deaths equaling births. Birthrate has been falling since 1958. It has been under 2.1 since 1973. Since 2017, the US the number of children born to each woman has been under 1.8 which is inadequate to replace those who are dying. The falling birth rate has been most notable for white Americans

IMMIGRANTS HELPED THE US MAINTAIN POPULATION GROWTH
Due to the falling birth rate and the aging population, the 2020 US census recorded the second lowest growth in population in US history from 2010 to 2020. If not for immigration the population of the United States would have fallen in the 2020 census.(6).
 
Even with immigration at reduced levels, for the first time immigration made up the majority of the 0.12% population growth in 2021. Per the US Census Bureau, “Between July 1, 2020, and July 1, 2021, the nation’s growth was due to natural increase (148,043), which is the number of excess births over deaths, and net international migration (244,622).”(6)
 
MORE IMMIGRANTS WILL HELP GROW THE US ECONOMY
Without economic growth America cannot build the infrastructure needed for clean air and water, transportation systems, health care, education, and efficient energy use. America’s stable economy, long-term economic growth and democratic institutions are some of the most important reasons that so many people from all over the world want to come to America to live and prosper. Per the Congressional Research Service, “Security is achieved not only by military means but by the whole of the American economy.”(1)

Having more workers paying taxes will help the US to continue future funding Social Security and Medicare. Besides having more workers there are other changes that can improve the outlook of our social safety nets.
Raising the income level cap for Social Security and Medicare taxes, benefit cuts, and upping the age at which people can start collecting benefits are all potential changes to improve the outlook of those programs.

When the unemployment level is low and there are not enough workers to fill the needed jobs and pay taxes, the economy can falter putting the nation’s security at risk. Following Jesus to love your neighbor, the US could institute fair humane and comprehensive immigration reform that would allow more people to migrate to the US legally, and also have those undocumented immigrants, that are already living here, legally incorporated into the workforce.

 
 
 
4.      https://www.brookings.edu/research/u-s-population-growth-has- nearly-flatlined-new-census-data-shows/                                                                             
December 23, 2021 article from Brookings institute on flat population growth in US
 
Falling birthrate for almost all women in the US since .
 
6.      https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2021/2021- population-estimates.html.

 
8.      https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/05/us/immigration-census- population.html. Amid Slowdown, Immigration Is Driving U.S. Population Growth A declining birthrate and pandemic deaths helped drive U.S. population growth to historic lows. But immigration appears to be back on the rise.

9.      https://www.migrationpolicy.org/article/immigration-shaped- united-states January 6, 2022, overview of the history of immigration in America.

10.  https://mronline.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/What-would- fair-humane-immigration-reform-look-like.pdf. 7 aspects of a fair and humane immigration program.

Dr. Jim Mendez is a layperson from St James Cathedral in Fresno and is a member of the EDSJ Immigration Commission (SJRAISE).
What is the VISION Act?
(AB 937)

Contact your California State Senators to support the (VISION Act) that would prevent ICE from detaining people after they have completed their sentence and have earned release from jail and prison. There are many people from the San Joaquin Valley who have experienced this cruel practice. Here’s the story of one of them, Salesh Prasad: bit.ly/FreeSal (Below are more resources about the VISION Act.)

News articles on the VISION Act and how it would support immigrants including domestic violence survivors, firefighters, and youth.
Polling report by UCSD finding that there’s strong support for the VISION Act across the political spectrum from voters



The Lenten Virtual Borderlands Experience (VBE) series is designed to expose participants to the border crossing experiences of immigrants, including their perilous journey towards the border, their interaction with detention centers, and the work of churches and other organizations that support them.  This is an opportunity during this COVID time to participate in a Lenten journey that brings you face to face with the injustices experienced by individuals and families who are seeking refuge as they attempt to enter the US with hope for a better life. This five-week Lenten VBE series can be done at home alone, with your family, or as part of a congregational study group.
Register now for 4th Annual Border & Migration Ministry Summit

A virtual conference for those engaged or interested in migration ministries will be held March 30-31, hosted by Episcopal Migration Ministries in partnership with the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas. The 4th Annual Border & Migration Ministry Summit—rescheduled from October—will be simultaneously interpreted in English and Spanish.


Borders & Walls in the New Jerusalem and American History

In 2017, while justifying the U.S.-Mexico border wall construction on Fox and Friends, Pastor Robert Jeffress stated: “Even heaven’s gonna have a wall.” He’s not wrong! The seer of the book of Revelation describes the walls and gates of the New Jerusalem in great detail and emphasizes who must stay outside the city walls. America’s apocalyptic self-identification with the New Jerusalem has, in part, led to a national focus on borders and walls in reaction to immigration and “foreigners.” This talk will explore that connection in U.S. history and the implications of an apocalyptic theology of nationhood.

Calls to Action, Training and Resources

Participate in HIAS' Refugee Shabbat, Mar. 4-5
Register today to participate in Refugee Shabbat 2022, which will be a moment for congregations, organizations, and individuals around the world to dedicate a Shabbat experience to refugees and asylum seekers.


SAVE THE DATE! 
Immigrant Day of Action 2022
- April 26 -
the largest advocacy effort in the state for immigrant rights organized by the California Immigrant Policy Center. It remains to be seen whether it will be an in-person or virtual event. For more information and to register:
https://caimmigrant.org/event/immigrant-day-2022/


Donations needed for International Rescue Committee

How you can help
 
As we prepare to serve a larger number of refugees, asylees and other special immigrants in the Central Valley, there are many ways that you can provide support:
 
  • Donate Household Items: As new families and individuals arrive, they will need household furnishings such as furniture (particularly couches and dining sets that are in good condition), new bath and bedding items, and kitchen supplies. A list of our general donations needs is attached. Feel free to respond to this email or contact us by phone at 209-272-0751 if you wish to donate any of these items.
 
  • Provide Gift Cards: We have a huge need right now for gift cards from Target or Walmart. These donations are incredibly empowering because they give people the power to choose what clothing and household items they want to buy, a luxury that was not available to them while living in refugee camps. Gift cards from Target or Walmart can be sent to the following address:

International Rescue Committee
3446 N. Golden State Blvd., Ste. A
Turlock, CA 95382
Attn: Jonathan Partridge
You can also purchase Visa gift cards through Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/IZ54FT2R92TL/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_2?_encoding=UTF8&type=wishlist
 
  • Volunteer: As more people arrive, we will need volunteers to help with virtual English language classes, job placement, and donation transportation. We will also likely need help transporting individuals and families to appointments once it becomes safe to do so. In addition, we will be looking for small groups who are interested in furnishing homes. More information on volunteer and internship opportunities can be found at the following link: https://www.rescue.org/volunteer-opportunities/turlock-ca
 



Wrapped in Love

If you are a quilter and would like to contribute to the Wrapped in Love project, or if you would like to provide financial assistance for mailing and supplies, please contact Pastor Julie at: pastorjuliekelly@gmail.com.

To view the video of the blessing of the blankets and hear from Pastor Julie and quilter, Jean Wright, click here
Check out Episcopal Migration Ministries new podcast:
Repairing the Breach: Building the Beloved Community Through Welcome
You can listen here!

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The Immigration Services Directory, which provides a list of nonprofit community organizations that offer a broad range of immigration-related services in the Central Valley can be found here

Prayers of the People for use in Ordinary Time

SJRAISE Petitions for Prayers of the People

First Sunday in Lent: Loving and merciful Lord, in his temptation your Son knew hunger and fear. Be with all immigrants who having left their homes and now live in danger and wander alone. Lead us by your Spirit to serve them and guide them to safety.

Second Sunday in Lent: Loving and merciful Lord, raise up all immigrants and refugees who suffer from judgement and persecution and keep them out of harm’s way.

Third Sunday in Lent: Loving and merciful Lord, watch over all those immigrants and refugees who are in harm’s way. Protect them from any assaults on them and upon the families they have left behind. Give them time and resources to find a safe home and open the way for their families to be reunited.

Fourth Sunday in Lent: Loving and merciful Lord, you welcome home all who are lost. Open our hearts to receive all those seeking refuge in our land. Make signs to your love to welcome with open arms all those seeking a loving home among us.

Fifth Sunday in Lent: Loving and merciful Lord, help us to show our love for you by also loving our neighbors seeking refuge. Let us not be prideful and selfish, so our eyes may be opened and our hearts desire to meet the needs of those immigrants and refugees seeking love and care.

Palm Sunday: Loving and merciful Lord, you sent your son, our savior to suffer upon the cross. Be with those who are now suffering from persecution and abuse. Guide all immigrants and refugees to a place of safety and give them the hope of a life free from harm.  



written by Deacon Cathy Kline, St Paul's Bakersfield

Prayer in a time of pandemic​
Loving God, throughout the Scriptures you call us to “Fear not!”, but these are troubling times for the hardiest souls. Give us courage to face the challenges of this new threat to your human family. Give us prudence, to do the necessary things to protect ourselves and others. Give us the clarity of vision to learn from this disease the lesson we are too prone to forget, that we are all connected, regardless of race or nationality or political persuasion. We pray for those who are struggling with this disease, that their health may be restored. We pray for medical personnel and first responders caring for those in need, that they remain healthy and unflagging in their life-saving work. And we pray for all those economically impacted, that they may find the resources to maintain themselves and their families.  We ask all this, trusting in your abiding love, a love that even death cannot defeat. Amen.

Written by Deacon Tom Hampson, St John's Lodi
 


Special Prayers for Immigrants During COVID-19

Oh Lord; in this time of Covid-19 as we take shelter in our homes, we ask you to spread your love and healing over our brothers and sisters held in overcrowded detention centers and refugee camps. 
We ask Lord that you may soften the hearts of those in authority, that them may care for our sisters and brothers in this time of crises.

We ask this in Jesus’s name. Amen

SJRAISE YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAJZiw1OpUAMshz5jbdxa2A
Wrapped in Love blankets blessed by
Bp. David

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Undocumented Migration Project
https://www.undocumentedmigrationproject.org

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https://www.rescue.org/

HOPE CAN'T BE QUARANTINED
Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services (LIRS) has developed a toolkit for supporting immigrants currently in detention.

Council on American-Islamic Relations