Immigration Reform 

The Latin American Council of South Carolina strongly supports immigration reform.  We believe that an orderly process of legal immigration is in the best interests of both potential immigrants and current citizens of the United States.   

We agree with the position of the noted Evangelical leader, Jim Wallis.  Mr. Wallis says that “…immigration is a core issue for Christians. The biblical story continually shows God’s concern for the migrant and the outcast. ‘The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God’ (Leviticus 19:34). Similarly, throughout the New Testament, Christians are called to care for the outcast and the stranger. Jesus identified with these neighbors when he said, ‘I was a stranger and you welcomed me’ (Matthew 25:35).” For further information on Jim Wallis’ position, click here.

We agree with the position of the Roman Catholic Church.  Bishops from Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina recently co-signed a letter on immigration reform.  They “were specific about what they believe to be the essential elements of reform, including ‘policies to address the economic root causes of migration in the sending countries; reform of our legal immigration system, including a viable and workable path to citizenship; a temporary worker program which protects the rights of all workers; family-based immigration reform which reduces waiting times for family reunification; and the restoration of due process protections for immigrants…’  As the bishops said, ‘These individuals have become a vital part of the fabric of our local areas and make substantial contributions to our economic and social life.’”  For further information on their statement, click here.

We agree with the position of the Episcopal Church, which recognizes “the urgency of repairing our failed immigration system by adopting a balanced, comprehensive approach to reform ... By not embracing an enforcement-only approach….  the U.S. needs workers; and if they can enter legally with requisite safeguards, we will have made our immigration system both more humane and realistic."  For further information on the Episcopal Church’s position, click here.