Whereas, the 1996 General Conference of The United Methodist Church adopted two resolutions on immigration: Immigrants and Refugees: To Love the Sojourner and Immigrants in the United States: Ministries of Hospitality, Advocacy, and Justice (The Book of Resolutions, 1996, pp. 542-551). These resolutions call the church to ministries of justice, advocacy, hospitality, and prayer surrounding immigration issues.

Whereas, the biblical witness affirms that all human beings are created in the image of God and blessed with the responsibility of work to tend and keep the earth;

Whereas, our Social Creed also affirms "the right and duty of persons to work for the glory of God and the good of themselves and others, and the protection of their welfare in so doing;" (Para. 76, The Book of Discipline)

Whereas, there are "undocumented" immigrants residing in the United States who work under conditions that undermine their dignity and value as human beings and that do not allow them to work for the glory of God or the good of themselves and others;

Whereas, "undocumented" persons, because of their lack of legal status, are not fully protected in the work place under the laws of the United States, and therefore are often exploited by unscrupulous employers;

Whereas, such exploitation includes unreasonably long working hours, low wages, unsafe working conditions, and lack of medical and pension benefits;

Whereas, such exploitation also includes the illegal employment of minor children;

Whereas, a national coalition of immigration, labor and religious organizations has called for the U.S. government to enact a law of General Amnesty so that all undocumented immigrants now living in the United States can regulate their legal status without having to leave the United States;

Whereas, most importantly, Jesus calls us to love our neighbors and to give special attention and care to the poor and welcome to the stranger;

Therefore, be it resolved that we urge persons and local churches to respond with compassion, prayer and action by becoming educated about immigration and workers' rights issues and, where appropriate and prophetic, pursuing the biblical mandates of hospitality and justice.

Be it further resolved that local churches be encouraged to extend ministries of pastoral care and social and legal assistance for and with immigrants.

Finally, be it resolved that local churches and persons be asked to communicate their concerns with congressional representatives, senators, and other government leaders responsible for immigration policy.