GET INFORMED ABOUT MATTHEW 25 / Mateo 25 & the dream act
What is Matthew 25 / Mateo 25?
The Matthew 25 / Mateo 25 Movement is a broad coalition of national faith-based groups, local churches, clergy associations, grassroots activists, heads of denominations, seminaries, Christian colleges, and more.
The SoCal chapter of Matther 25 / Mateo 25 is focusing primarily on vulnerable immigrants and their families who face separation through detention and deportation.
What is The DREAM Act?
The Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act. This is a legislative proposal for a multi-phase process for qualifying alien minors in the United States that would first grant conditional residency and, upon meeting further qualifications, permanent residency. When the DREAM Act failed to pass, DACA was put in place as a temporary solution to the problem.
Who is/was eligible for DACA & The DREAM Act?
- Arrived to the US when they were <16 years old;
- Be enrolled in or have graduated from an American high school, obtained a GED, or been admitted to an institution of higher education;
- Have no criminal record.
Who are “DREAMers”?
Young immigrants protected by the DACA program. This name was coined after “The Dream Act”, a congressional bill advocating for a legal pathway to US citizenship for young immigrants that garnered bi-partisan support but failed in the Senate in 2010 under the Obama administration (first term).
What does DACA enable young people to do?
DACA enables young people to work and go to school legally in the US.
Why is DACA ending and The DREAM Act in danger?
The 45th President, Donald Trump and his administration are rescinding the Executive Order made by President Barack Obama (44).
What has been the general impact of DACA on young immigrants since it came into existence?
69% of DACA recipients report receiving better paying jobs, 60+% opened a bank account, 65% were able to purchase reliable transportation, and 65% have pursued more education that was formerly prohibited pre-DACA. For more info, you can read Wong's 2017 National DACA Study.
What will happen to DACA recipients now that it has been revoked?
Without aggressive and timely congressional action, 800K+ youth/young adult immigrants will be at risk of deportation.
What are faith leaders and organizations saying?
- Sojourners, “Christianity 101: Love, Not Deportation”, https://sojo.net/articles/christianity-101-love-not-deportation
- World Relief, “Support Dreamers through DACA and The Dream Act”, https://www.worldrelief.org/advocate#support-dreamers
- Interfaith Immigration Coalition, “Faith Leaders Oppose Rescinding Critical Program for Immigrant Youth, Urge Congress to Pass Dream Act of 2017”, http://www.interfaithimmigration.org/2017/09/05/faith-leaders-oppose-rescinding-critical-program-for-immigrant-youth-urge-congress-to-pass-dream-act-of-2017
- Christianity Today, “Evangelicals to Trump: Don’t Deport Our Next Generation of Church Leaders”, http://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2017/september/evangelicals-to-trump-dont-deport-dreamers-daca-immigration.html
ways you can help
How Can I Help With This Cause?
- Take the Matthew 25 / Mateo 25 Movement Pledge.
- Call your legislator.
- Host a house party.
- Write an op-ed.
- Support local organizations impacted by the changes.
- Spread the word!
Tools to help you take each of these actions are provided below.
Take The Matthew 25 / Mateo 25 Pledge
“I pledge to stand with and defend the vulnerable in the name of Jesus.”
Take the pledge!
Call Your Legislator
Representatives: 1-888-496-3502
Senators: 1-888-410-0619
*Please call your 1 Representative and your 2 Senators.
Host A House Party
While many may not be ready to engage important topics like immigration and race from the "pulpit", we've found that some feel more comfortable delving a bit deeper in a cozier setting. Invite family, friends, and all those interested over the house to discuss immigration on a biblical level and to begin to take action. Attached is a toolkit to help guide discussions and build a bridge of understanding.
House Party Bible References About Immigrants
House Party Host Feedback Questionnaire
Matthew 25 / Mateo 25 General Toolkit (Additional Information)
Interested in hosting a house party? Please contact us at 626.817.4589 or .
Write An Op-Ed
Write to your local newspaper about how this decision is impacting youth and families in your community and how concerned you feel for the damage it is causing to others. Show solidarity with DREAMers by encouraging others to stand with our local immigrant community.
Support Impacted Local Organizations
Connect with local organizations that support immigrant youth and families. Seek understanding from the mission of these organizations and reach out to help by volunteering and meeting the stated needs of those served. Local organizations to connect with:
- Lake Avenue Community Foundation
- Day One
- The Flintridge Center
- Collaborate Pasadena
- Pasadena-Altadena Coalition for Transformative Leaders (PACTL)
- Northwest Neighbors
- Harambee Ministries
Spread The Word Using Social Media
Use the following links on your social media platform:
- InstaTweet Spreadsheet for Legislators: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1WgvT3j0ez06mNJKqSIqMMNV7zId-4xO7CKjD7H_0Ew8
- House Graphics Link: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BzwKcEUflSONYXZteG9JTVg2Vzg
- Senate Graphics Link: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BzwKcEUflSONTEp0SW03aloycHc
CONTACT US
For pastoral counseling and/or prayer, contact or call 626-844-4700.