Statements on Immigration
While there is no comprehensive Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) statement on immigration policy, the following is a chronological summary of Social Justice Statements, passed by the Association's General Assembly, which pertain to immigration, migratory workers, and foreign nationals.
The 2000s
A 2004 Statement on Civil Liberties affirmed the Association's commitment to advocate for the right to due process of immigrants, refugees and foreign nationals. In 2006 and 2007, the General Assembly passed Actions of Immediate Witness to support immigrant communities, including a call for an immediate moratorium on federal raids and resulting deportations.
Civil Liberties
Statement of Conscience, 2004
Support of the United Farm Workers’ Boycott of Gallo Wines
Action of Immediate Witness, 2005
Support Immigrant Justice
Action of Immediate Witness, 2006
Support Immigrant Families—Stop the ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement Raids)
Action of Immediate Witness, 2007
End Present-day Slavery in the Fields
Action of Immediate Witness, 2008
The 1990s
In 1992, the Association passed a General Resolution to promote the investigation and monitoring of the practices, standards, and care at facilities housing children detained by Immigration and Naturalization Services. A 1995 Resolution of Immediate Witness demanded a humane solution to the complex social issues related to the undocumented population, and urged individual Unitarian Universalists (UUs) to serve those directly harmed and others affected by any legislation which would deny human beings basic services.
Children Held by the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service
General Resolution, 1992
A Call to Conscious, Humane Treatment of Immigrants
Resolution of Immediate Witness, 1995
The 1980s
In the 1980s, many Unitarian Universalist congregations were actively involved in the Sanctuary movement. The 1980, 1984, 1985, and 1989 General Assemblies of the UUA endorsed sanctuary for refugees, and the UUA Board of Trustees established a fund to support individuals seeking sanctuary and to aid churches providing sanctuary.
Refugee Assistance
General Resolution, 1980
Cease Support of Government in Violation of Human Rights in Central America and Elsewhere
General Resolution, 1983
Concerning Central American Refugees
General Resolution, 1984
Sanctuary and Government Surveillance
General Resolution, 1985
Sanctuary
Business Resolution, 1985
Sanctuary Fund
General Resolution, 1986
The Travel Rights of HIV-Infected People
Resolution of Immediate Witness, 1989
The Refugee Internment Camp at Harlingen, Texas
Resolution of Immediate Witness, 1989
The 1970s
Throughout the 1970s the UUA supported immigrant farm worker campaigns.
Support of UFW Boycott
General Resolution, 1974
UU Migrant Ministry
Business Resolution, 1975
Farm Worker Initiatives
General Resolution, 1976
The 1960s
At the first General Assembly of the newly formed Unitarian Universalist Association in 1961, a General Resolution was passed in support of migratory workers. This was followed by resolutions in 1963 and 1966 on immigration reform and agricultural workers, respectively.
Migratory Workers
General Resolution, 1961
Immigration
General Resolution, 1963
Agricultural Employment
General Resolution, 1966
For more information contact socialjustice @ uua.org.
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Last updated on Tuesday, October 11, 2011.
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