On Dec. 5, 2016, Esperanza hosted a Hispanic Clergy workshop facilitated by Esperanza Immigration Legal Services (EILS). The workshop focused on what pastors and ministry leaders need to know about the rights of the undocumented.
“In the wake of the presidential election, immigrants across the country- including many of our neighbors- are living in fear of what expected policy changes will mean for them and their families. Right now, immigrants are among the most vulnerable members of our society,” Mary Clark, Executive Director of EILS said. It is essential that trusted faith and community leaders equip themselves with reliable information about what rights immigrants do have in this country and how they can protect their families.”
EILS is hopeful the workshop helped to further educate the Hispanic clergy about the real challenges immigrant families face and how to advocate for their rights. “When faith and community leaders educate themselves about immigrant rights, they take a key first step toward empowering immigrant communities,” Clark said.
In attendance, there were 30 pastors and ministry leaders present from five cities across the United States and seven different denominational affiliations.
Esperanza Immigration Legal Services (EILS) was formed in 2009. The mission of EILS is to provide community education, advocacy and direct legal services to immigrants and their families, so that they may participate in and benefit fully from American society. Esperanza proudly continues its efforts of strengthening Hispanic communities by advocating for the rights of all Hispanics including those undocumented.