The conference wants to help churches provide meaningful experiences for our immigrant communities. This page contains resources for individuals and congregations looking to provide support to immigrant populations in their community. For Immigration Podcasts & Videos, visit here. For Immigration Articles & Publications, visit here. Learn how to get involved here. Read the UMC's position on immigration.
If you are interested in connecting with others in our conference on the issue of immigration, please contact one of the following persons: Sandy Sypherd, Chair of the Great Plains Immigration Rapid Response Team or Andrea Paret, Peace with Justice Coordinator, Great Plains Conference.
The phone number is (402) 884-0876. The Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement has officially launched a new legal intake hotline specifically for indivuals detained in ICE custody or loved ones seeking legal assistance on their behalf. This hotline and its services are only available to individuals in their service area (Nebraska and southwest Iowa). The line will be staffed Monday through Thursday, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM CST. During those hours, callers will be able to speak to an Access specialist or leave a voicemail. The team will strive to return voicemails within 48 hours. They will also have an online option to complete intake for a detained person.
As part of the Great Plains Conference's efforts to show love for immigrants, migrants and refugees, the conference hosted Zoom webinars — this one in English — provided by the Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement (CIRA), based in Omaha. This recording is from a Zoom webinar Feb. 3, 2025. Download slides (English)
Capacitación para el Capacitador (Español): https://vimeo.com/1055371607
Descargar diapositivas (Español)
In addition to the videos and slides, CIRA has created a presentation request form to prioritize incoming requests (linked here) for anyone seeking a presentation or more information.
Rights & Planning Guide: From the Immigrant Legal Center - a comprehensive resource to make sure all know their rights. This downloadable document is in both English and Español.
Know Your Rights: From the Immigration Law & Justice Network - "Preparing for Trump in 2025: What to expect and know your rights." This downloadable document is in both English and Español.
Red Cards: All people in the United States, regardless of immigration status, have certain rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution. The ILRC’s Red Cards help people assert their rights and defend themselves in many situations, such as when ICE agents go to a home. Order or print cards
Immigration Enforcement Guidance: From the ACLU of Nebraska. Guidance for places of worship, schools and health centers. Documents available for download:
Know Your Rights and Responsibilities: K-12 Schools and the Immigrant Students and Families they Serve - Dylan Severino, ACLU of Nebraska. Visit here
Experiences from O’Neill, Nebraska raid: Amy Shane, Former Superintendent
Emergency Planning for Parents, Immigration Options for Children, and more resources: Roxana Cortes-Mills, CIRA.
Rights resources including:
Nebraska Department of Education School Safety: Please note: include the period at the beginning of passcode. Watch video here and Passcode: .gKqH@&4
Interacting with Police: CIRA provides a video in Spanish about interacting with police in public areas. Watch the video here.
Interacción con la policía: CIRA ofrece un video en español sobre cómo interactuar con la policía en lugares públicos. Mira el video aquí.
The Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement: A great source of up-to-date information and resources. Visit here
Non-Profit Legal Representation: A list of non-profit organizations in Kansas and Nebraska authorized to practice immigration law. Just scroll to our states. The list is updated regularly by the Department of Justice. Search here
Brown Immigration Law: Offers occasional webinars and seminars related to immigration concerns that can be helpful. Visit site
Immigrants Rights | ACLU Kansas: The ACLU of Kansas is dedicated to expanding and protecting the rights of immigrants in this state, regardless of their citizenship status. Learn more here
Immigrants Rights | ACLU Nebraska: Every Nebraskan, regardless of their immigration status, has constitutional rights and protections in the U.S. Learn more here
Immigration Activist in Kansas: Offers an immigration legal directory for those living in Kansas. Visit site
This Spanish language safety video discusses the importance of individuals and families knowing their legal rights and having a plan. Watch here
Nebraska Department of Education School Safety: watch video and copy passcode: .gKqH@&4