Immigrants are playing an increasingly important role in American churches partly because their ranks are growing rapidly due to immigration.  Even rural areas of the Midwest are experiencing this kind of ethnic diversity, some for the first time since native populations were driven from the area.  In recent decades, this has been impacting Mennonite communities all over the country.

Many, like other Americans, are above all concerned about possible loss of jobs, changing languages in schools, and the tensions that always result when cultures come in contact with each other in new ways.  Others, accustomed for years to sending missionaries to foreign countries, or perhaps to the tradition of living as a separate or even persecuted minority, see the resurgence of immigrant populations as an opportunity for evangelism.  Still others remember Mennonites' own immigrant past, and feel a renewed call to welcome and speak up for this latest wave of immigrants.

For information on the origin of Hispanic Mennonites in North Amercia see Hispanic Mennonites in North America.

Links

Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) U.S. provides Immigrant Education in the form of workshops and resources, for both immigrants and those who relate to them. 

Welcoming the Newcomer, is a packet for individuals and congregations who would like to become more knowledgeable on immigration issues.   

See discussion board on immigration

Mennonite Church Statement on Immigration.Mennonites hold a variety of viewpoints on immigration. But our tradition of migration for religious reasons, as well as our belief that God calls us to love the poor and the stranger, leads us to deep concern over the situations which many immigrants face.  Read the statement adopted at the 2003 General Assembly of Mennonite Church-USA.

MCC Washington: “Seeing immigration as a justice issue, Mennonites have been active through Mennonite Central Committe to advocate and provide services for immigrants.”  The MCC U.S. Guide to Immigration summarizes biblical reflections and churches responses and gives an opportunity to sign up for email updates on immigration-related news.

See the Mennonite Central Committee Executive Board Statement on Immigration Legislation in Congress, written March 25, 2006.  Summary version.  Full text version. (PDF files)