After a major online controversy, the conservative Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) has taken down an article instructing illegal immigrants how to evade ICE. Many in the denomination were shocked that the article had been posted, and officials promised a thorough investigation. While the webpage has been deleted there is an ongoing investigation as to who posted the article.
“Most immigrants in the US have permanent legal status. They may be a refugee, or a sponsored family member awaiting their green card, or they may already be a naturalized US citizen,” the now-deleted article read. “On the other hand, many of our neighbors – and many of our brothers and sisters in Christ – do not have permanent legal status. … Some may not have documents giving them permission to remain in the US. ”
“Many undocumented persons are married to green card holders or to US citizens. Many have US citizen children,” the article explained. “Our neighbors who have no documents and those who have temporary status are facing much uncertainty in the months and years ahead. ” The article ended with a list or ways for illegals to evade and frustrate ICE.
“Remain calm. Show ICE your identity document (if you do not have lawful status, show an identity document that does not include your country of birth or citizenship),” the document instructed. “If you were granted parole or … you fear returning to your home country, tell the officer you are afraid to go back. You should get a Credible Fear Interview as a result. If the officer denies your Credible Fear Interview, ask for the chance for an immigration judge to review your fear.”
Zachary Groff, who works for the PCA, addressed the controversy. “Regarding the PCA’s Mission to North America (MNA) Refugee & Immigrant Ministry resource page giving specific guidance on how to interact with law enforcement… ” he said. “I have personally received text messages, DMs, and emails from PCA elders, deacons, and members in over a dozen threads (some in group chats) this morning alone.”
“These correspondences come after a week’s worth of informal (and productive) interaction with MNA Executive Leadership members about concerns over the page,” he explained. ” And I am merely one member of the MNA Permanent Committee charged with overseeing and advising the General Assembly-approved leadership of Mission to North America.”
“The concerns are being taken very seriously by those who are responsible for oversight at the Assembly level and those who are responsible for day-to-day operations at the staff level. The matter is already docketed for the Permanent Committee’s spring meeting in March, and the resource page is under review by MNA staff in the meantime,” he concluded. “Please pray for MNA staff and Permanent Committee members as we prepare to discuss concerns, problems, and solutions in a couple of weeks. Thanks!”
Jeremy Carl of the Clairmont Institute said, “I am glad that the page is now down, but if the personnel who created the page are not also removed, the underlying sources of the problem will remain. It’s not just about a web page.” Many online commenters echoed his concerns. “As another member of the MNA permanent committee I would echo this. Do not assume the worst of your brothers and pray for the work of the committee,” said Jeremy Byrd.