The New Sanctuary Movement Task Force has been investigating the possibility of getting involved in the national New Sanctuary Movement.  The purpose of this movement is to assist undocumented immigrant families who face unjust deportation, and to create awareness of immigration issues and legislation.  This page provides information for First UU members and friends so that they may educate themselves about this complex and important subject.

Useful Links:

Statement from UUA President Rev. William G. Sinkford

New Sanctuary Movement National Web Site

New Sanctuary and UU Principles

Myths About Undocumented Immigrants

New Sanctuary and UU Principles

As Unitarian Universalists, we have covenanted to act in ways that are consistent with our UU principles. Our commitment to peace and social justice—to acting in love and courage, rather than fear—compels to help those who are victims of unjust treatment or discrimination.  After having examined the goals and objectives of the New Sanctuary Movement, we have found that they align with the following principles in the following ways:

• The inherent worth and dignity of every person;

Although they do not have the requisite paperwork to reside or work legally in the United States, undocumented workers are—first and foremost—people like us.  Most of them face dire poverty in their native countries, so they choose to risk unauthorized entry into a foreign country to find gainful employment. Our principles urge us to avoid moral condemnation of people who seek better lives for their families.

• Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;

We have a moral obligation to treat people—including undocumented immigrants—as we want to be treated.  Although they may belong to a different ethnic group, speak a different language, or come from a different geographical location, our faith urges us to treat them justly and compassionately.

• The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;

We all have the right to act and help people in need, based on our conscience.  We must, however, determine our collective actions as a congregation through the democratic process.  To do this effectively, we must share information and allow discussion within the congregation, so that we can take action in a way that is most consistent with our principles.

We also claim the right to make our individual and collective voices heard in the community at large, so that we can do our part in ensuring that our elected officials eventually pass immigration legislation that is fair, sensible and humane.

• The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;

Millions of immigrants have violated U.S. law by entering the country without permission from the U.S. Government.  However, immigration laws are often arbitrarily or selectively enforced, and regularly used to terrorize people who are undocumented.  This intimidation keeps them from demanding fair and humane treatment, living wages, or basic civil rights, while they continue to mow our lawns, pick our food, and wash our dishes.  

Until a fair, sensible and humane immigration policy is passed and implemented, we should have the goal of assisting those immigrants (who have broken no law other than unlawful entrance and employment) in receiving the basic rights and treatment that all humans deserve.

Despite their legal status, they interact with us, live in our communities, and provide us with goods and services.  We have the moral obligation to be good neighbors and treat them with dignity.

Myths about Undocumented Immigrants

This video deconstructs many of the myths about undocumented immigrants that are spread by the media.