Why HR 29 is the wrong solution to immigration reform

 

For decades, scripture has reminded Presbyterians that God calls us to welcome and provide for immigrants in our midst: Thus says the Lord of hosts: Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another; do not oppress the widow, the orphan, the alien, or the poor; and do not devise evil in your hearts against one another. —Zechariah 7:9-10 The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has affirmed this calling for over forty years, beginning with the Sanctuary Movement within the United States and supporting the work of those protecting and assisting migrants. Most recently, the 225th General Assembly declared the PC(U.S.A.) to be a Sanctuary and Accompanying Church, reaffirming decades of commitment to supporting immigrants, migrants, and refugees through work guided by principles of accompaniment and protection. These values are at risk in H.R. 29, the “Laken Riley Act.” The bill represents a cynical attempt to exploit a tragic loss of life to perpetuate a false narrative that ties immigration to fears surrounding public safety. The legislation subjects immigrants facing mere allegations of petty offenses to prolonged, indefinite detention without bond. As a faith-based organization, we urge all members of Congress to honor the humanity and dignity of all immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekersby rejecting this cruel proposal and instead supporting measures rooted in collective concern for immigrant communities. The bill has already passed the U.S. House, and Republicans are pushing for it to be the first bill sent to the incoming president, who will take the oath of office on January 20, 2025. The bill mandates the arrest and detention—without bond—of any undocumented person convicted of, or merely arrested for, burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting-related offenses. There is no statute of limitations, no due process, and no mechanism for individuals to contest their immigration detention in order to resolve any underlying criminal charges (if charges are even brought). Mandatory immigration detention, which forces people with pending immigration cases to endure carceral conditions detrimental to human health for prolonged periods, is a gravely harmful practice that should be ended. Rather than expanding mandatory detention, which does not promote public safety and only contributes to tremendous human suffering, Congress should invest in solutions that foster a fairer and more just immigration system—one that allows all communities to flourish. The bill also undermines constitutional protections and disrupts the balance of power between states and the federal government, giving anti-immigrant state attorneys general the power to destabilize the immigration system. This is only the first of many attacks on immigrant communities we expect to see in the 119th Congress and incoming administration. Congress must not succumb to a political ploy that exploits a tragic act to demonize and criminalize an entire group of people. Write Congress today to urge policymakers to reject the “Laken Riley Act” and invest in our nation’s longstanding tradition of welcoming immigrants. The sacred texts of our Christian tradition, along with the practices of our nation’s diverse faith traditions, call us to stand with the vulnerable and remain committed to the sacred practice of welcoming the sojourner.    The PC(U.S.A.) stands in solidarity with immigrants, migrants, and asylum seekers affirming that our collective flourishing depends on the safety and security of everyone, including those newly arriving on our shores.

A Condemnation of the so-called "Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act"- Call to Action

“But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” – Amos 5:24

We, the Advocacy Committee for LGBTQIA+ Equity (ACQ+E), write today to express our unequivocal condemnation of the passage of the “Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act” by the House of Representatives. This legislation, which seeks to exclude transgender women, femmes, and girls from participating in school sports aligned with their gender identity, is an affront to the dignity and humanity of transgender individuals. It contradicts the values of justice, love, and inclusion that are central to our Christian faith and to our understanding of God’s kingdom on earth.

In our previous statement on Transgender Day of Remembrance, we reaffirmed our commitment to standing alongside transgender siblings who face systemic violence and discrimination. Then, as now, we declared that these kinds of actions are not Christ-like. They betray the teachings of Jesus, who calls us to love one another as God loves us (John 13:34).

This legislation also defies the values that we, as Presbyterians, are called to uphold. The Book of Order reminds us of our sacred responsibility to “seek to transform the structures of society to reflect God’s just and loving intentions” (F-1.0304). Instead of reflecting God’s justice and equity, this bill entrenches harm. It creates barriers to belonging and fails to honor the image of God present in every person, including our transgender siblings.

But as people of faith, we know that injustice does not have the final word. Faith calls us to act—to speak truth when harm is done, to reach out when others are cast aside, and to help build a world that reflects the radical love of God. This moment challenges us not just as a matter of policy but as a reflection of our faithfulness. Will we stand with the most vulnerable among us, as Jesus so often did? Will we create a world where everyone has a place at the table, or will we remain silent as systems of exclusion continue to flourish?

We cannot choose silence. Our faith compels us to act, and we find hope in knowing that the work of justice is already underway. Organizations like Gender Liberation (genderliberation.com) empower transgender individuals through education and advocacy. Black Trans Travel Fund (blacktranstravelfund.com) provides safety and dignity for Black transgender women by offering safe travel support. The Transgender Law Center (transgenderlawcenter.org) advances legal protections for transgender rights, while The National Center for Transgender Equality (transequality.org) advocates for dignity and safety at every level of government. Meanwhile, The Sylvia Rivera Law Project (srlp.org) ensures that all individuals—regardless of race or income—have the freedom to self-determine their gender identity. And The Trevor Project (www.trevorproject.org) provides crisis services, peer support, advocacy, and education. These organizations remind us that the stream of justice is already flowing. As people of faith, we are called to widen the reach of that stream - to join this holy work and ensure that the stream continues to flow.

We are called to remember that the table Jesus set was one of abundance, belonging, and love—a table where no one is excluded, where all are valued, and where God’s justice flows freely. That table was never meant to be a place of division but a declaration of radical inclusion and a vision of God’s kingdom on earth.

May we honor that table not only in word but in action. May we be faithful to the call to love boldly, to act justly, and to build a world that mirrors the boundless love of God. And may we never forget that justice, like righteousness, is not static—it is alive, ever-flowing, and depends on us to keep it moving forward.

In faith and solidarity,

The Advocacy Committee for LGBTQIA+ Equity (ACQ+E)

As a member of the LGBTQIA+ Equity and Advocacy committee, I recommend writing to  Congress today to urge policymakers to reject the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act" today.