Unitarian Universalist Policy
Immigration Reform: Summary of Relevant UUA Statements
Statements passed by the General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) strongly condemn the injustices of the current immigration system, support just and humane comprehensive mmigration reform, and encourage support for immigrants, regardless of immigration status.
The 2006 and 1995 General
Assemblies supported comprehensive reform.
These General Assemblies resolved to, "Support just and
comprehensive immigration reform...[including]...the creation of an accessible and timely process to obtain residency and citizenship" and to "...demand...from both state
and federal lawmakers humane solutions to the very complex social issues
relating to undocumented persons in this country." Quotes taken from "Support Immigrant Justice," 2006 Action of Immediate Witness, and "A Call to Conscious, Humane Treatment of Immigrants," 1995 Resolution of Immediate Witness, respectively.
The UUA has encouraged direct aid to immigrants.
The 1995 General Assembly urged Unitarian Universalists "to serve those directly harmed" by
legislation infringing on immigrants' rights and/or limiting access to health,
education, and welfare services. Last year, the 2006 General Assembly called
on Unitarian Universalist congregations and individuals to "...continue
providing services and fellowship to undocumented individuals even if
legislation is passed that criminalizes these humanitarian acts." Quotes taken from "A
Call to Conscious, Humane Treatment of Immigrants," 1995 Resolution of Immediate
Witness, and "Support
Immigrant Justice," 2006 Action of Immediate Witness, respectively.
The UUA has called for a moratorium on inhumane raids and deportations.
At the 2007 General Assembly, delegates passed an Action of
Immediate Witness to "Support Immigrant Families—Stop the ICE (Immigration and
Customs Enforcement) Raids," calling for an immediate moratorium of all
inhumane raids and resulting deportations.
For more information contact socialjustice @ uua.org.
Last updated on Thursday, February 5, 2009.
