Today, October 28, is National Immigrants Day. It was formally recognized by the US Congress in 1987. As I tried to learn more about how this day is being commemorated this year, I was surprised to find very little from our lawmakers and civic leaders. Then again, perhaps it is not so surprising as we approach the mid-term elections. Immigration as a topic is as volatile and polarized as any other in today's political landscape. It wasn't always this way.

This recent piece by The Hill discusses how the two major parties in US politics were more or less aligned on this issue only 20 years ago. Given that the United States was established by immigrants and their descendants, and considering the long history of immigration into this nation, neither party had a particularly strong stance on the subject. The different parties may have had different concerns as they related to employment and cost of wages, but legislation was commonly bipartisan and not nearly as contentious as it is today. At present, while over 70% of Americans agree that immigration is a good thing for the country, Republican and Democratic voters are split 86% to 38%, respectively when asked if they are worried about illegal immigration. There is surely room for nuance when we consider legal vs illegal immigration and public policy, but this has become a highly partisan and divisive issue. And that is so unfortunate.

Despite all the ways our faith traditions are tied to immigration, from the beginning of our story in the exodus to the formation of our churches here in the US (by immigrants), this topic makes us nervous when spoken from the pulpit, in small groups, or in fellowship. It's "too political" and "too partisan" and will only cause division - so we're told or so we think. Perhaps. But I believe that makes it all the more important for us as people of faith to be part of the conversation. It is partisan for partisan reasons - and only recently. It is political in the true sense of the word, as it deals with the polis or "people." It is a human issue, first and foremost. It is about life and community, about the life we make together as people on the way towards our shared future. Sounds like a gospel issue when we put it that way, doesn't it?

The Wisconsin Council of Churches has a study guide on immigration, free to use in your community. And we are anticipating the release of our new and revised version, including a new session on refugees in Wisconsin. You can view the current version here, but consider waiting for the new version to be released. We'll let you know soon!

Consider incorporating prayers for immigrants and refugees in your worship. Not only do we hope in the power of prayer to send blessings of protection and peace upon those for whom we pray, but the prayers we speak, like the hymns and liturgy we sing, also shape us as followers of Jesus. We may hold different opinions about politics, but perhaps the gathered community of believers can find unity in a common concern for the safety, hope, and care of migrants - whomever they are and from wherever they may come. And perhaps that creates a common ground for us to stand together in solidarity with immigrants, whatever our political affiliation. Lutheran Immigration Refugee Service (LIRS) has a library of prayers for immigrants and refugees, and post prayers for immigrants and refugees on their social media every Sunday.

If your congregation is ready for some advocacy on behalf of immigrants, consider learning together about DACA, the Obama-era policy of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. This program currently gives protection to over 600,000 young adults who entered the country unlawfully as children, but does not provide a path to citizenship. This podcast from the Bipartisan Policy Center gives an excellent introduction to the program and tells the story of why this is so important for those in the program. (There is also an interview with LIRS CEO, Krish O'Mara-Vignarajah about the Afghan Adjustment Act.) One reason they highlighted this program is that a decision on DACA was forthcoming in the 5th Circuit Federal Court, which ruled against it on Oct. 5. The program remains in place for those already enrolled, but now returns to the lower court for review. It is expected to eventually come before the Supreme Court, with disastrous consequences for participants if it is struck down. Its last appearance at SCOTUS ended with a 4-4 ruling. There is a legislative fix to this problem - the DREAM Act. However, the current version (passed by the House of Representatives) is stalled in the Senate. I dare to hope that non-partisan letters of support from faith communities (themselves diverse in their politics) might move the needle on the Senate finding a humane solution.

If your church has found other ways to celebrate and support immigrants in your community, I'd love to hear about it and share your story!

Rev. Peder Johanson (he/his)

adapted from post by Sandra Whitehead

Milwaukee Muslim Women’s Coalition’s Be-a-Buddy Program, a project to connect re-settled Afghan children and teens with American peers, starts again Oct. 1 with its original successful formula and a new component—a sewing circle for Afghan and American women.

MMWC’s Be-a-Buddy Program consists of workshops from 1 – 4 p.m. every other Saturday beginning Oct. 1 at Hamilton High School, 6215 W. Warnimont Ave., Milwaukee. Afghan and American youth, most ages 10 – 16, will join together in recreation, reading and team building activities, games, sports and art. “We will do some tutoring and homework, and focus on English,” said Youth Development Director, Rawand Yazaw. 

To volunteer, please call the MMWC at (414) 727-4900.

Or use the volunteer sign-up link,

or contact Yazaw via email at: ryazaw@mmwconline.org.

Do you know someone who can translate Pashto? The Catholic Multicultural Center in Madison is in need of additional translators as they prepare legal immigration/asylum applications for Afghans. If you can help them or refer someone to them, they'd greatly appreciate it! Contact:

Dental Care is such an important component of our overall health, and many Afghans have had serious dental needs upon resettlement. Unfortunately, Badgercare reimbursement rates are so low for emergency dental services that this care has been difficult to get. WCC donated $5,000 to a dental fund at LSS last Spring and are exploring further support to this important cause. Please consider making a gift to our program or holding a fundraiser at your church to help cover emergency dental care for Afghans in Wisconsin. Your proceeds can go directly to the nearest resettlement agency or through our Afghan Refugee Response program.

We are looking for Lost Passports – Lost between Wisconsin Dells and Chicago bus station!

Other items were lost but the most important are two Afghan passports. See this Facebook post for a redacted image of the passport and to share on your social media account. The passports cannot be replaced since the Taliban have occupied Afghanistan. He would be so grateful if the passport can be returned. No questions will be asked. If anyone has the passports please send to:

Jewish Social Services in Madison is looking for participants in their CARA Program. This is an opportunity for congregations to work together in securing and preparing a home and providing the initial welcome to new arrivals through the refugee resettlement program. This is a great opportunity for meaningful, short-term service for congregations and community groups in South-Central Wisconsin.

For more information, contact:

Autumn Yael Fearing-Kabler (they/them/theirs)

North West Wisconsin - Welcoming New Neighbors, an interfaith community coalition based in Eau Claire, is working with Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin to resettle Afghans in Eau Claire. Contact Rev. Peder Johanson to be connected with their leadership.

East-Central Wisconsin - Catholic Charities in Green Bay is resettling Afghans in and around Green Bay. World Relief is resettling Afghans in Appleton and Oshkosh and offer several ways to support the effort there.

Central Wisconsin - New Beginnings for Refugees is a new resettlement agency located in Wausau, under the direction of ECDC. They are resettling families in and around Wausau, including Stevens Point, Marshfield, and Wisconsin Rapids.

South West Wisconsin - Southwestern Wisconsin Community Action Program, Inc (SWCAP) is working with Church World Service to resettle Afghan families in and around Platteville. For more information and to discuss how your church can support their work, contact Rev. Peder Johanson.

South Central Wisconsin - Jewish Social Services is a resettlement agency located in Madison. With the support of volunteers through Open Doors For Refugees, they are resettling families and individuals in and around Madison. Visit opendoorsforrefugees.org to learn how you and/or your congregation to volunteer.

South East Wisconsin - Lutheran Social Services is resettling and supporting Afghans primarily in Milwaukee and within a 100 mile radius. They rely on cosponsors and volunteers for much of the support to the resettlement effort and care of refugees. International Institute of Wisconsin is also resettling Afghans in Milwaukee. The Milwaukee Muslim Women's Coalition provides services and support to the refugee communities in Milwaukee.

For education and worship resources, volunteer opportunities, and to give a donation towards the WCC effort in helping refugees from Afghanistan, visit our website.

This work is possible because of generous donations from judicatories, churches, and individuals.

Choose "Afghan Refugee Relief" in the fund drop-down menu.