The Episcopal Church has recently undergone some important restructuring. We wanted to bring you up-to-date on that and how it will impact our work in the areas of refugee resettlement and the broad array of immigration issues. EMM (Episcopal Migration Ministries) is now primarily focused on its resettlement programs with the main office in New York. EMM receives federal funding, but relies also upon the support of individual parishes and its affiliate network to provide direct services to refugees. The Office of Government Relations in Washington is part of the Advocacy Center, one of four mission centers in the new structure, and now includes a full-time staff person whose sole focus is immigration and refugees.

Ana White is that staff person and will be able to devote more time to the full range of immigration and refugee issues, including resettlement, comprehensive immigration reform, and refugees and asylum seekers. The new structure reflects the commitment of the Episcopal Church, as reflected in the resolutions of General Convention and Executive Council, to the refugee and immigration cause.

As you know, much of the current federal, state, and local immigration policy being carried out across the country is adversely affecting immigrant communities. The aggressive enforcement tactics are not only disrupting the status quo, but also victimizing hard-working individuals and separating families. Meanwhile, the rights of those who are targeted as well as the best interests of our nation are being ignored. Therefore, the Church and its advocacy allies are raising awareness of the issues faced by immigrants and standing against attempts to divide people of faith and goodwill. It will take all of us working together to pass comprehensive immigration reform in the next Congress.