Alexia Salvatierra

Explores the power of faith to drive resistance to anti-immigration policies in the United States God's Resistance chronicles the work of faith-based activists who have mobilized to counter the effects of mass detention and deportation. Focusing on Southern California, home to a large undocumented population, the authors examine which strategies have been most effective, as well as the obstacles that faith presents to organizing effectively. In-depth interviews with over forty activists, leaders of congregations, lay participants, and immigrants allow us to hear at first hand the challenges and occasional triumphs of this work. The authors show how faith-based organizations have a distinctive set of advantages to leverage in social movements that are often overlooked and underappreciated by secular activist organizations, but they also face particular challenges that can hinder their effectiveness. The volume offers insights into how these advantages can be maximized, and how the obstacles can be overcome. The powerful testimony from asylum seekers and detained immigrants found in these pages, along with the concrete examples of effective strategies, are indispensable for anyone invested in the fight to recognize the humanity of one of the nation's most vulnerable populations.

Explores the power of faith to drive resistance to anti-immigration policies in the United States God's Resistance chronicles the work of faith-based activists who have mobilized to counter the effects of mass detention and deportation. Focusing on Southern California, home to a large undocumented population, the authors examine which strategies have been most effective, as well as the obstacles that faith presents to organizing effectively. In-depth interviews with over forty activists, leaders of congregations, lay participants, and immigrants allow us to hear at first hand the challenges and occasional triumphs of this work. The authors show how faith-based organizations have a distinctive set of advantages to leverage in social movements that are often overlooked and underappreciated by secular activist organizations, but they also face particular challenges that can hinder their effectiveness. The volume offers insights into how these advantages can be maximized, and how the obstacles can be overcome. The powerful testimony from asylum seekers and detained immigrants found in these pages, along with the concrete examples of effective strategies, are indispensable for anyone invested in the fight to recognize the humanity of one of the nation's most vulnerable populations.

Named One of Fifteen Important Theology Books of 2022, Englewood Review of BooksThis book demonstrates how two overlooked ministry models--base ecclesial communities of the Global South in the late twentieth century and hush harbors of the US antebellum South--offer proven strategies for the twenty-first-century church and contemporary social movements. These ministry models provide insight into the creation and sustenance of vital Christian community, particularly for those seeking indigenous culturally-rooted models, and show how to integrate vibrant Christ-centered faith and mission with world-changing social justice and political action. The book includes on-the-ground stories from multiethnic communities, a foreword by Robert Chao Romero, and an afterword by Willie James Jennings.

In Love Undocumented, Quezada takes readers on a journey deep into the world of the U.S. immigration system. Follow her as she walks alongside her new friend, meets with lawyers, stands at the U.S.-Mexico border, and visits immigrants in detention centers. With wisdom from Scripture, research, and these experiences, Quezada explores God's call to welcome the stranger and invites Christians to consider how to live faithfully in a world of closed doors and high fences. Is it possible to abandon fear and cultivate authentic relationships with new arrivals? What if hospitality to immigrant and refugee neighbors puts us at personal risk? How can churches create safe spaces for those living at the precarious edge of our society? With Quezada as your guide, discover a subversive Savior who never knew a stranger. Get to know the God of the Bible, whose love and grace cross all borders. Respond to an invitation to turn away from fear and enter a bigger story.

Publishers Weekly: A probing and personal debut . . . that] builds a compelling case for Christians to welcome immigrants.Will you beware or be welcoming?As a young Christian, Sarah Quezada had a heart for social justice. She was also blissfully unaware of the real situations facing today's immigrants. Until she met someone new. . . who happened to be undocumented. In Love Undocumented, Quezada takes readers on a journey deep into the world of the U.S. immigration system. Follow her as she walks alongside her new friend, meets with lawyers, stands at the U.S.-Mexico border, and visits immigrants in detention centers. With wisdom from Scripture, research, and these experiences, Quezada explores God's call to welcome the stranger and invites Christians to consider how to live faithfully in the world of closed doors and high fences.Is it possible to abandon fear and cultivate authentic relationships with new arrivals?What if hospitality to immigrant and refugee neighbors puts us at personal risk?How can churches create safe spaces for those living at the precarious edge of our society?With Quezada as your guide, discover a subversive Savior who never knew a stranger. Get to know the God of the Bible, whose love and grace cross all borders. Respond to an invitation to turn away from fear and enter a bigger story.Free downloadable study guide available here.