‘Love, Law, and Family Unity’: Church of Jesus Christ Releases Immigration Statement

Amid ongoing national discussions about illegal immigration, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a statement Thursday reinforcing its stance on immigration, emphasizing support for those in need regardless of their immigration status. While the church did not provide a specific position on illegal immigration, a key topic for President Donald Trump, the statement’s key message focused on the principles of “love, law, and family unity.”

The church outlined its stance with three key points:

  1. Obey the law: The church respects and follows legal guidelines.
  2. Love your neighbors: In alignment with the teachings of Jesus Christ, the church affirms that “neighbor” includes all people, regardless of immigration status.
  3. Help those in need: The church seeks to provide food, clothing, and other forms of assistance to individuals in need, regardless of their legal status, with a particular concern for keeping families united.

The statement also noted that the church’s legal office had developed guidelines to help local leaders navigate federal laws that criminalize actions like harboring or transporting undocumented immigrants. These guidelines are intended to ensure that church outreach and humanitarian activities comply with U.S. immigration laws while maintaining compassion for those affected.

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The letter, sent by the First Presidency of the Church, was directed to church leaders across the U.S., urging them to continue to follow the new guidelines and offering clarity on how to support undocumented individuals in a lawful manner. The letter expressed concern for the hardships faced by undocumented members and encouraged local leaders to offer assistance while adhering to legal restrictions.

The specific guidelines for local leaders include:

  • Fast-offering funds may be used to support essential needs such as food, clothing, and medical care, regardless of immigration status.
  • Leaders should avoid actions that could conflict with federal law, such as providing housing assistance, transporting undocumented individuals, or assisting in employment.
  • Legal advice, participation in legal proceedings, or sponsorship of immigration efforts is not allowed.
  • Leaders can refer individuals and families to community organizations that specialize in immigration issues or support in case of family separation.
  • Church facilities and resources should not be used to shelter individuals from law enforcement.

These guidelines aim to ensure that church leaders provide support in a compassionate way while maintaining compliance with the law. Since President Trump’s administration began, there has been a heightened focus on locating undocumented immigrants with criminal records and deporting them, a policy many political leaders in Utah have supported. However, immigrant advocacy groups have voiced concerns over the impact on immigrant families and their role in the U.S. economy.

During Trump’s first term, the church raised concerns about family separations at the U.S.-Mexico border. In a 2018 statement, it expressed deep concern over the separation of children from their parents, describing the practice as harmful, especially to young children. This new round of immigration policies under Trump has prompted continued debate over the future of immigrant families in the U.S.

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