Immigrant Connection

This post is part of a nine-part year-end giving series on organizations we love.

We’ve known several people over the years who have faced unbelievable difficulty navigating the US immigration process. We’ve witnessed how difficult it can be even for the most vigilant people to follow the steps without becoming disqualified, confused, or stuck because of some kind of misstep by themselves or others (bad advice, a mix-up with an appointment or form, clerical errors, unscrupulous notaries or lawyers, etc.).

*From the organization’s website at http://www.icwelcome.org*

Immigrant Connection exists so that immigrants who want to follow the legal process can do it. Started through The Wesleyan Church in 2014, Immigrant Connection provides legal support in 34 states through sites across the US. Staff are trained and credentialed through the US government to provide accurate and affordable guidance in completing paperwork. To date, Immigrant Connection has served over 50,000 people.

Associated with churches, these sites express the love of Jesus to immigrants in other ways, as well. They offer classes in conversational English, help them understand US culture and institutions, and offer citizenship classes. They help make connections to partner organizations for other types of support. They welcome newcomers as any local church would, inviting them to worship services or other ministries of the church, caring for them, and sharing relationally.

*“You see me,” from Genesis 16:13, when Hagar says, “You are the God who sees me.”*

In a time when the news about immigrants and immigration is full of rancor, we are so glad for the opportunity to do something positive. Giving to Immigrant Connection enables us to show compassion to real people, many of whom are in great distress, and to promote adherence to the law, all in the name of Christ.