What you can do to continue protecting migrant children and families

 in God's Work. Our Hands.  tagged Advocacy by

Hill Visit MNOver just the last week, Lutherans like you sent over 1,000 messages to Congress urging them to support practical and humane migration policies. Now that President Donald Trump has signed Executive Orders that make it more difficult for children and families to seek protection in the U.S., we know that Congress plays a critical role in the impact these policies will have on our communities.

Join us in amplifying your impact by meeting directly with your Congressional offices in-district, and urging them to protect refugees, asylum seekers and migrants. 

Members of Congress will be back home in their states and districts for President’s Day, the week of February 20th. When they return to Washington, they will need to decide how to allocate funds to agencies that are implementing these Executive Orders or whether to pass legislation that will protect those fleeing violence or persecution.

As Lutherans, we have a proud history of starting ministries that serve our neighbors across the street or across the world because we know that “all people are God’s creatures, sinners for whom Christ died.” As children and families from Central America face policies that will further put them in harm’s way, we have the privilege to continue our tradition of humble servants by urging our Members of Congress to protect them.

HOW TO MEET DIRECTLY WITH YOUR CONGRESSIONAL OFFICE IN THEIR HOME DISTRICT:

  1. Use this guide to plan for your meeting with Congress in your state.
  2. Use this template to create a letter for your member of Congress that you can deliver directly to him/her. For greater impact, collect similar letters from your community members to deliver as well!
  3. During your meeting, urge your member of Congress to fund programs that protect family unity and the God-given dignity in every person; being mindful that building physical barriers will put more people in danger.
  4. Deliver the letters you filled out to the member of Congress’ staff.
  5. Don’t forget to let us know about your meeting! Fill out our In-District Activity Form after you complete your meeting.

AMMPAROPlease let us know if you have any questions by contacting washingtonoffice@elca.org. To learn more about the ELCA’s work to accompany Central American children and families, visit ELCA.org/AMMPARO or our Advocacy resource center.

Thank you again!