The United Methodist Church has strongly and consistently expressed concern for Central American refugees and the peace process in that region, as stated in the Book of Resolutions: "Immigration," pages 507-510; "Assistance and Sanctuary for Central American Refugees," pages 463-464; "Central America: Peace and Justice with Freedom," pages 557-561; and "Concern for El Salvador," page 570.
Thousands of Salvadoran were forced to flee their homes in El Salvador to escape death and persecution because of civil war. Many came to the United States for refuge.
Now that the civil war in El Salvador has ceased, the U.S. government has ended the temporary protected status of the Salvadoran refugees. Deportation proceedings could legally begin; over 150,000 Salvadoran refugees could be affected.
Children of refugees born in the United States have no knowledge of El Salvador and will face great hardships there. Moreover, El Salvador still remains a place of danger for many of the Salvadorans who face deportation.
El Salvador is a country in turmoil. The return of thousands of refugees from the United States will have catastrophic consequences on this small and impoverished country, which is recovering from a bloody and debilitating war. Unemployment is rampant, and the Salvadoran economy depends heavily on remittances from Salvadorans living outside the country.
Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Conference of The United Methodist Church oppose the deportation of Salvadoran refugees from the United States and calls on the President of the United States and the United States Attorney General to grant them permanent residency.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
Petition Text: 22488-GM-NonDis-O
1996 United Methodist General Conference