Representatives of several local churches gathered last night to come up with ways they can offer 'sanctuary' to illegal immigrants, in the wake of the new state law that bans 'Sanctuary Cities,' News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
Jenny Hixon of RAICES, the Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services) says sanctuary has a 'rich history in faith communities as a call to provide safety and refuge for people persecuted throughout history.'
She says there is a lot that churches can do as both the state and federal governments target illegal immigrants for arrest and deportation.
"Immigrants and other folks in the community who might not be feeling safe due to the laws that are being passed targeting immigrants."
She says illegal immigrants can actually be allowed to live in church sanctuaries, where Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents generally won't arrest them, but there are also a number of other steps that can be taken."
They can do things like go to immigration appointments with people who are concerned about their outcome, offer day care services and legal services," she said. "There are many things they can do beyond simply offering sanctuary in their church."
She says while the Texas law bars 'Sanctuary Cities' and 'Sanctuary Colleges' it does not prevent churches from taking action to help provide sanctuary to immigrants.