Congregational Accompaniment Project for Asylum Seekers: Handbook for Congregations

web resource

Unitarian Universalist Service Committee, MA

Description

This handbook provides an overview of the asylum-seeker accompaniment process, information to help congregations discern whether the program fits within their social justice goals, and best practices and resources drawn from the community of accompaniment congregations. It is presented by the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee’s Congregational Accompaniment Project for Asylum Seekers (CAPAS.)

Features

Detailed processes for becoming an asylum seeker host congregation
Sample letters of support
Glossary of terms
List of resources for immigration justice

Recommended Audience

Clergy and lay leaders

Cost

Free

Practical Applications

Use this handbook as a guide if your congregation is interested in supporting and accompanying asylum seekers through the immigration process established in the United States.
Understand more about immigration and policy developments by reviewing the recommended resources in this handbook.

Updated: January 08, 2025

About the Contributor

Miriam V. Quezada Mendez

Bilingual Associate for Resource Consulting

Miriam V. Quezada Mendez serves in the Center’s Northwest office in Crown Point as the Bilingual Associate for Resource Consulting, working to advance the Center’s mission to strengthen Indiana congregations by providing resources to the communities that make up the diverse tapestry of the Northwest region.

Born in Jalisco, Mexico, Miriam immigrated to the United States as a child and grew up on the East Side of Chicago. She earned her bachelor’s degree at Illinois College, graduating with a double major in Communications & Rhetorical Studies and International Studies with a concentration in gender and immigration equity.

Before joining the Center, Miriam served as the Director of Communications at the Parliament of the World’s Religions. In her tenure with the Parliament, Miriam worked closely with faith, community, and nonprofit leaders on outreach, engagement, and interfaith community-building efforts. She is an enthusiastic advocate for youth, Indigenous, and women’s voices in faith and civic spaces.

Miriam is a member of the St. Paul Catholic Church in Valparaiso, where she and her family attend weekly Spanish service.

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