Suggested Activities & Discussion Points

Suggested activities for recognizing that the United States is a nation of immigrants

• Have participants tell the stories of their own families' immigration to the United States. Compare the stories of those who have recently immigrated with those who immigrated many years ago to demonstrate that the reasons for immigration have not changed.
• Ask participants to reflect on the changing ethnic composition of the parish and the neighborhood over its history.
• Ask participants to offer examples of how immigration and cultural diversity have changed the United States. Have them evaluate these changes.

What should our attitude toward undocumented immigrants be?

• How should the United States regard and treat undocumented immigrants?
• How can we protect the rights of such people when they are treated unfairly by their employers?
• What government services should be provided to undocumented persons?
• What should be the Church's message to undocumented persons be. How should they be treated in the local parish?

• Attend Mass with an immigrant community and reflect on the experience.
• Learn a few words of the native languages of immigrants who worship in your parish.
• Visit immigrants held in prison while waiting for their cases to be resolved.
• Ask to meet with representatives of the Immigration and Naturalization Service to learn about their work and suggest ways they can better enforce the nation's laws while respecting the rights and needs of immigrants.
• Identify immigrants in the parish still waiting for family members to be permitted to enter the United States. Learn about the process of sponsoring family members, and write to those still waiting overseas to promise friendship and welcome when they finally arrive.
• Meet with local hospital and public health personnel to ask about how undocumented persons are able to receive medical care.
• Meet with public school officials to ask how undocumented immigrant children are able to attend school.
• Consult the section "Developing a Welcoming Plan for the Parish" in the insert How Do We Welcome the "Stranger" in Our Parishes for many more ideas.