The World We Seek guides the efforts of the Friends Committee on National Legislation. Whether through our team of expert lobbyists meeting with policymakers on Capitol Hill or our grassroots network of passionate advocates building power for the voices of people across the country, these words form a foundation for our work.
So, what does “The World We Seek” have to say about the human process of migration? How does it compare to the narrative being told in this country, and where does our faith call us to return to truth and justice for every person and community?
FCNL embodies the values of the Religious Society of Friends in United States federal policy, bringing that witness to the center of our advocacy. In our legislative work we uplift the conviction that there is that of God in every person and that all creation has worth and dignity.
As a faith-based non-partisan organization, we are guided by the call to “Love thy neighbor, no exceptions.” As members of a world-wide community that believe every person has inherent dignity and value, we hold a deep concern around the longstanding narrative and policies that dehumanize some members of our human family based on their origins.
Migration is a complex topic in both national and local dialogues since it speaks to the heart of our collective experience as humans longing to belong and feel safe in our communities. Unfortunately, Congress has been unable to act in good faith on the concern, held by Friends and non-Quakers alike, that United States migration policy needs massive and immediate improvements.
Unfortunately, Congress has been unable to act in good faith on the concern, held by Friends and non-Quakers alike, that United States migration policy needs massive and immediate improvements.
FCNL’s statement of legislative policy points out that “Immigration is a civil issue, not a criminal one. All persons, regardless of immigration status, deserve due process.” (Section 11.5.3) This has sadly not been the experience for many people coming to and residing in this country as our government has increasingly relied on militarized solutions. Funding for ICE and Border Patrol has tripled since 2003, while humane migration solutions, including the Shelter and Services Program (SSP) and Case Management Pilot Programs (CMPP) have had their funding cut although they are economic and compassionate alternatives.
Additionally, we include a call for the inclusion of the institutions and organizations of civil society and community-based groups (Section I.1.1) because at the heart of this work is a desire to support a safe, equitable, and just society for all who live here.
One of our partner organizations, American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), works to address the global problems that drive people to leave their homes. They collaborate with community partners, assisting migrants, refugees, and displaced people through legal services and humanitarian relief. The human impacts cannot be separated from the policies being shaped on Capitol Hill, even though decisions frequently fail to consider the lived experiences of those directly impacted.
A study by the National Institute of Health called attention to the previously disregarded wellbeing of border patrol agents who are frequently exposed to potentially traumatic and challenging events.
Those on every side of migration policies, from people migrating to the US, border officials, members of welcoming communities, and all in this country are harmed by the ineffective and unjust approach our government has taken.
Those on every side of migration policies are harmed by the ineffective and unjust approach our government has taken.
The security of some cannot be achieved through violence and insecurity for others. Everyone suffers if we close our borders and increase deportations. This would imprison many who are only seeking a better life, separate families, destabilize communities, and further burden an already overwhelmed immigration system.
As anti-immigration rhetoric and policies, such as those in Project 2025, gain traction, we hear more and more harmful stereotypes about those who migrate. This fosters fear and harms vulnerable populations.
FCNL calls on Quakers and like-minded friends to shift this narrative and advocate for migration justice. Everyone deserves welcome, dignity, security, love, and compassion, regardless of migration status. Learn more about just migration and ask your representatives to invest in humane migration solutions.
To act in solidarity and support of our global family is to honor the light and dignity of each person, family, and community. I hope you will join us as we call not only on legislators, but every member of this country to act in abundant love towards our neighbors.
