JHR 425 -RELIGIOUS DISCRIMINATION AND IMMIGRATION POLICIES

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RELIGIOUS DISCRIMINATION AND IMMIGRATION POLICIES

1. UNDERSTANDING RELIGIOUS DISCRIMINATION IN IMMIGRATION

Religious discrimination in immigration has turned out to be one of the most topical concerns

that characterize contemporary society, as people and countries differ in their decisions on the

asylum of refugees, issuing of visas and policies governing other forms of immigration.

Consequently, whenever studying this kind of prejudice, it is necessary to examine historical,

cultural and legal antecedents as well as consider numerous cases and incidents that resulted in

such discrimination. Thus, by completing this course and going deep into the story of religious

discrimination and immigration policies learners will learn to discuss the peculiarities of racism

and its forms which influence people and societies around the world.

The cases of immigration prejudice due to religion have been felt in the world from time earliest

days, for instance, the shot in Chinese exclusion act that prohibited any Chinese person from

immigrating to the United States on grounds that they were culturally and socially different. This

trend continued early in this 20th century when the Jones Law was passed which put a ceiling on

the number of Filipino to migrate to the USA mainly because they are Roman Catholic. The

policy which has recently received much criticism is the Travel Ban which was signed by the

Trump administration in 2017 and has raised concerns over specifically targeting Muslim-

majority countries and offending the refugee and asylum seekers civil rights.

These cases brought out the fact of religious bigotry and how different governments can use any

of the immigration policies and processes to reinforce bigotry. The topic, religious discrimination

and immigration policies, as a course enables students acquire understanding of how different

countries treat people based on their religion and how they can trace the progression or

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regression of such policies. When learners go through the laws, legislations and policies

supporting such practices they shall be in a position to realize how certain cultures are being

prejudiced, discriminated and discriminated against because of stereotyping, negative attitude or

generalizing them based on their faith.

Also, it will investigate the causes for religiously related immigrations policy, including; opinion,

politics and economic issues. It will also draw out effects on the individual and communities

such as refugee, asylum seeker and other immigrants who were barred or otherwise persecuted

on grounds of religion or belief. Having regard to the causes of these disparities and the

implications of the result or the party prevailing on the other and the negative impact it imposes

to the party that was on the worse end of the immigration processes, learners will be in a better

positioned within the attempt to fight for fairness and eliminate religious prejudice in the unfair

treatment of immigrants.

Religious discrimination and immigration policies explain all forms of prejudice that revolve

around religious processes when it comes to the immigration sector. Through looking at

historical settings, legal provisions and factors that relate to these disparities, the participants will

best be placed to noting implications of religious bias in immigration hence building a culture of

equality to all human beings regardless the religion.

- Defining religious discrimination and its manifestations

The key to analyzing religious discrimination is religious discrimination in immigration which is

an unfair and prejudicial treatment of any persons, as per the immigration laws, because of their

faith, belief, religious practice or religion. It may range from being locked out of a country or

denied citizenship based on one’s religion, extreme harassment, unfair treatment or outright

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exclusion from enjoying rights and freedom in the host country. Immigration policies can

therefore seek to secure national security as well as maintain cultural integrity, yet these policies

when crafted may promote religious discrimination if care is not taken to provide for religious

diversity within the population. For example, some countries may use the ‘visa ban’ for citizens

of countries, which are predominantly populated by people of non-Christian religion or qualify

some forms of religious freedoms as too restrictive while targeting only some particular religions

in fact discriminating against people, based on their beliefs. Furthermore, weak forms of legal

protection that prohibit persecution and discrimination on the basis of religion in destination

countries expose religious minorities to acts of abuses, exploitations and discriminations hence,

failure to challenge and reform these legal systems preserves and enhance religious inequality

and hostility towards religious minority immigrants. There is need to look at the various factors

that underlie religious discrimination in relation to immigration, including the socio-economic,

historical and cultural factors that influence the formation of the immigration policies and the

effect of these policies on the religious minorities as well as the efforts by the policy makers,

religious organizations and other non-governmental organizations in trying to address the

problems of inequality created by policies of immigration and integration.

- The role of religion in immigration laws and policies

Discrimination involving religions in immigration policies is a complex problem affecting

people, families and communities, the society and overseas. Human and science should not just

look at the relations between religions and immigrants and the laws and practices controlling

immigration, the students should try to understand why such practices exist. The impact of

religion on immigration laws and policies has for a long time played a significant role in

determining the quality of the laws and policies being passed governing immigration standards.

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It is, therefore, important to contextualize this relationship to better understand the effects that

sovereign over minority-religion countries and minority and other vulnerable groups of people

all over the world. How should people of faith respond to these and other similar questions, and

what format should any new or modified policies take, are not easy questions to answer;

however, when such questions are discussed together, within the contexts of history and law, and

with reference to the potentials and pitfalls of current immigration policies, the foundations of an

appropriate knowledge base can be built so as to effectively combat religious bigotry in the

exercise of immigration policies.

There is one key aspect which concerns the historical experience of religion in the legislation

related to immigrant integration. In the course of history, an extermination or preference of

certain groups in society was or has been accomplished by the application of religious

legislation. For instance, the U.S. National Origins Act of 1924 not only restricted immigrants

from certain countries and selected preferred immigrants to be of Protestant faith discriminating

Catholics and Jews. Again, during the time the partition of India and Pakistan it was seen that

both these countries followed the policy of religious immigration and threw open its doors to

those individuals based on their religion and faith, resulting in mass transfer of population in

both countries (Dharmalingam, 2019).

The following examples present how religion has contributed to the formulation of immigration

policies and this continues to happen today. It is for this reason that, in the present context, there

are several nations which still employ religious benchmarks when it comes to immigration,

asylum, and naturalization. These criteria complicity support religious majority club and neglect

the rights of minority groups through dualism and discrimination by putting in place of arbitrary

measures. For example, while the political asylum processes of different states provide

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possibilities for individuals persecuted for religious reason to seek refuge and stay in the foreign

country, those states may not respect freedom of faith or may hamper attempt of the religious

minorities to integrate into society and become an accepted part of it (Costa & Mendieta, 2019).

In addition, using religion in the formulation of immigration policies have legal consequences as

well. In the United States, for instance, the Constitution puts the Federal government in a fix in

that it cannot both endorse an established religion and also fail to regulate the free exercise of

religion. But the government may overcome it where its action is necessary to accomplish an

important and legitimate governmental objective such as countering terrorism (Goldberg, 2019).

This has made it legal for the government to advance policies towards immigrations that have a

certain religion as a preference while discriminating others hence violating the provision of

religious diversity.

Religious immigration policies consequently imply another factor that is: How do religious bases

of policy affect minorities and vulnerable groups? Such policies can perpetuate segregation and

exclusion of the minorities in society because only a few religions are favored in the society.

And, religious immigrations also create and endorse prejudice, discrimination, and hostility

against the minorities, which sharpens social injustice and inequality (Saharso & Seenundun,

2018 p.466).

In view of these factors, eradicating religious discrimination in immigration policies must be

approached from a number of angles. It is necessary to analyze historical and modern relations

between religion and immigration legislation and policy and its legal effects. It will help

policymakers, advocates, and stakeholders better understand and mitigate religious-based

injustices and disparities embedded in the immigration system.

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There is a need to create legal conditions of migration that will guarantee equal rights and

freedom of religious practice for migrants and refugees. This may include the process of

changing some of the existing laws and actions that are based on religious discriminations,

increasing awareness about religious diversity and acceptance in a society, as well as supplying

all necessary assistance necessary to integrate the minorities into the society.

Thus, it becomes essential to comprehend religious aspects and discriminations in immigration

laws in order to bring change for a better and fair treatment of everyone. When studying the

interactions between religion and immigration concerning their historical and present-day

settings, how their laws and policies work and affect minorities and vulnerable groups of people

in the communities, we can build a strong foundation and source of ideas on the effect of religion

in immigration laws, bias and discriminations and ways to towards the formation of a better and

fair society for all.

- Historical context: Religious biases in immigration practices

Prejudice against religious minorities in immigration policies has its origin in the historical

backdrop of how some societies attempted to guard their religious, cultural and political

supremacy. Over the course of human civilization, different countries have implemented their

own exclusive immigration systems which discriminated people based on their religions and

allowed or disallowed certain groups based on the result of this discrimination. A good example

was the United States of America in its formative years where the country passed the

Naturalization Act of 1790 and offered the opportunity of citizenship to only those who were

‘white,’ thus excluding non-white and non-Christian immigrants; the residents with Jewish,

Muslim or any other non-Christian faith or color were locked out (Kohler & Waite, 2020). Next

immigration laws were passed which were more and more favorable where the condition of

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immigrants was attached in such a way that in order to set first foot into America, he has to be a

Christian This was mainly because of the flow of immigration brought up Americans to become

more and more Christian and sustain a Christianity borne nation. In France themselves, they have

been known for their secularism for decades, which guaranteed the prohibition of students from

putting on scarves, hijabs, and other symbols in their classroom that was declared in 2004

signifying more of an unfriendliness to religion, especially that practiced by those immigrating

from Muslim countries.

It is important to make the point here that this historical experience of religious prejudice in

immigration policies has left very profound ideologies on the process of immigration policies.

However, today religious immigration policies are still present in a large number of countries

either implicitly or explicitly. For example, some countries introduced “visa reciprocity” systems

meaning that they offer preferences to the immigrants of the countries that treat their people well;

it is worth noting that this has an unintended effect of discrimination against non-Christian

immigrants (Chishti & Bolter, 2008). On the other hand, those countries having recently

witnessed the rise in fundamentalism or new religious conservativism, for example the

Philippines, may favor only particular type of immigrant or give preference to particular

religious type only, forgetting about the rest of them (Mendoza, 2017). Furthermore, by

conducting tests of religion, or by excluding and discriminating against immigrants of this or that

religion, or by denying the right to naturalization, or by certain professions closed to this or that

religion countries only maintain and develop religious differentiation (Shah, 2015).

Recognition of past selection of religious biases in immigration policies is important in

dissection of current religious prejudice and discrimination in immigration policies. It helps

understand the prejudice and discrimination that existed historically and offers the avenue to

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analyze how the same prejudice and discrimination reassert themselves in modernity in the form

of immigration policies. Exploring these old prejudices will, therefore, help the society be

informed on the core causes of intolerance in religious beliefs in immigration, hence help design

better polices for all immigrants that are regardless of their religious practices. This is especially

pertinent in a class on religious discrimination in immigration policies as it offers a background

on which to base other issues in the formulation of immigration laws and the understanding of

the need for non-recognition of discrimination in the formulation of those policies.

- Key international conventions and agreements on religious freedom

Freedom of religion is a fundamental liberty interest, the guarantees the opportunity to adhere to,

modify or reject religion. It plays a significant role in the development of the immigration

policies concerning refugees and asylum seekers or cases where such a person is allowed to seek

asylum without being persecuted based on his or her religion. Religious liberty has been covered

through many important international treaties and agreements. The Universal Declaration of

Human Rights (UDHR) of 1948 by the United Nations General Assembly paved way in the

international acceptance of religious freedom, The article 18 of the declaration states: “Everyone

has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to

change his religion or belief and freedom either individually or in associations with others and in

public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship In the same year

the United Nations formulated the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)

that expands the UDHR by affirming that governments have a duty to respect this right for

individuals. Outside of the UN, similar standards for this position can also be supported by the

regional conventions such as the European Convention of Human rights and American

Convention on Human Rights. There are also provisions particular to religious freedom in certain

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situations are Economic, social and cultural rights to eliminate all forms of intolerance and

Discrimination based on religion or beliefs in 1981 and the Conference on Saudi OSCE in

Copenhagen in 1990, was committed to combating religious intolerance. Here, the role of these

intergovernmental standards can be hardly overestimated because, regarding religious freedom,

they establish the legal bases that should govern the regulation of immigration in the given area

and protect each foreign citizen regardless of their beliefs. Although religious liberty is

guaranteed in many international legal documents, it is critical that the policy of protected

immigration recognize the tenets stated in the conventions and treaties that otherwise offer

protection of the rights of endorsers and guarantee that the religious minorities can apply for

asylum with no fear. Religious Discrimination and Immigration Policies On as this course

explicates, religious freedom, international and immigration laws are fundamental in the

formulation of fair and apt policies in fighting for individuals’ rights who are persecuted because

of religious beliefs as well as the recognition of all individuals’ rights.

- Legal frameworks for challenging discrimination in immigration

Legal regulation of the possibility to appeal to religious discrimination in immigration law can be

more intricate because of the diversity and richness of the religious experience. The first step in

resolving this problem is to identify the legal framework governing the protection of religious

liberties and immigrants’ rights. In international law, a vast array of treaty and conventions,

including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant of Civil and

Political Rights and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial

Discrimination note and proscribe discrimination and protect the freedom of religion. However,

these international instruments demand that the states take up legislative measures that enforce as

well as respect these principles. On a national level, equality of religious rights/discrimination

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cannot be limited in most countries by various laws or constitutions. For example, the first

amendment in the constitution of the United States outlaws the protection of or the establishment

of any religion yet protects religious exercise; article 18 ICCPR affirms the freedom of thought,

conscience and religion. Moreover, many states have developed special legislation for prevention

of religious discrimination and for the granting of equality to immigration. For instance, Equality

Act 2010 of United Kingdom imposes; Part 3: Prohibition of Discrimination on the Ground of

Religion or Belief: Direct discrimination and indirect discrimination as well as discrimination in

employment, and the provision of services. Likewise, the Canadian Human Right Act and the

Charter of human Rights and Freedoms of the Québec envisage religious discrimination as

unlawful.

Such a context forms a premise from which religious discrimination in immigration cases can be

addressed. It is true that victims of religious intolerance may report their grievances, file cases in

court or ask for redress through legal means at national or international level. In national

jurisdictions, the affected parties may approach the courts or legal bodies for redress, as well as

prevention of violations in future, seek injunctions, damages or declarative relief through a court

or through administrative agencies such as human right commissions or anti-discrimination

commissions. For instance, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) has played an active

role in tackling RF claims These RF claims include those of immigrants. In cases like Dahlab v.

In the case of Switzerland and S.A.S. v. France the Court concluded that the restrictions

regarding religious garment code of conduct in place for women wearing the Hijab in French

schools violated the principles of the European Convention on Human Rights. On the other hand,

ordinary international means like the United Nations Human Rights Committee (HRC) is also

available under the ICCPR. For instance, in Lopes de Rozio ET v. In Portugal, for example, the

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HRC held that refusal of conversion to Catholicism for marriage violated Article 18 ICCPR for

the immigrant.

Further, the states may be subjected to external pressure and condemn for religious

discrimination in immigration through different accountability measures. For instance, the UN

treaty monitoring bodies and the special procedures like the Special Rapporteur on the issue of

freedom of religion or belief may have dialogue with governments and may raise concerns or

may issue communications for government’s noncompliance with the treaty obligations or for

acts of intolerance based on religion. In addition, civil society organizations, faith-based

institution and religious communities are equally important because they are involved in the

defense of the rights of the religious minority and are able to enhance public awareness and

sensitize people on the imperative of religious liberty. Through these channels they might launch

public inquiries, convene events or spread advocacy campaigns whereby exerting pressure on

governments to respond appropriately to religious discrimination and provide appropriate

protection for immigrants irrespective of religious beliefs.

The legal instruments and processes of combating religious discrimination in immigration are

important for protecting the rights and freedom of religious minorities. Thus, through legislative

reforms and implementation, national and international laws, the advocacy, and accountability

process, governments and the entire society can share responsibility to achieve better

immigration equity. It helps to support the institutions and liberties that guard religious liberty

for citizens and enhance tolerance and understanding across different cultures of a globalized

society.

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2. IMMIGRATION POLICIES AND RELIGIOUS EXCLUSION

It can be observed that immigration policies always held a great influence on the religious

composition of countries and either incorporated or excluded many religions in societies.

Historically, immigration policies have been used to control religious practice and beliefs since

the process of immigration was either used to let in certain religious groups or others were

blocked from entering. When implemented, such policies have potential for changing the lives of

the religious communities in question and the societies for which they live in. Immigration

policies and religious exclusion are tied in a plethora of threads, socio-cultural, historical and

political which must be dissected analytically so as to comprehend the implications that ensue.

A critical aspect of the relationship between immigration policies and religious exclusion is

influenced by the historical background against which these policies have been formulated and

are being advanced. Most nations recognize specific religion or faith, this is because of their

belief or they adopted this policy to gain a support from specific religion. For example, the

United States – a country established by the Puritan emigrants, who intended to create the ‘New

Israel’ – adopted early immigration policies, which were considerably biased in favor of the

Protestant Christians. This preference was seen in 1790 Naturalization Law that made the

restrictive citizenship only to “White persons” who are of good character with a belief in God,

Christianity. Though, the U.S. over time decreased religious prejudice and allowed polytheistic

practices in the country, similar characteristics may be seen in some other countries which even

practice official state religion(s) or religious institutions that have substantial political influence.

In Immigration policies and religious exclusion, there is need to examine the social and cultural

aspects as factors towards shaping these policies. It points out that the values, beliefs and

practices of the receiving society profoundly influence the position of religious groups and their

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integration. Heterogeneous societies such as Lutheran societies may therefore be less ready to

integrate the religious minorities into their societies compared to societies with history of

pluralism. Furthermore, the media and political language when it comes to religious

organizations can influence the society’s attitudes and therefore affect immigration policies.

Quite naturally, prejudice and phobia result in segregation of certain religions and this is evident

in the earlier ban on Sikh turban and the Indian Hindu nose ring in the beginning of the 20th

century America and the recent Muslim ban of the Trump era.

However, to understand the connection between these policies, it is crucial to pay attention to the

political environment that leads to the formation of the principles related to the immigration and

religious exclusion. Religious identity is something which these political entities such as parties,

groups and politicians use as tool to mobilize people for their agenda or to garner support of

certain sects. Such practice would result into the control of public opinion and the

implementation of sectarian policies that aim at discriminating the specific religious beliefs. For

instance, just before the Second World War, various European countries followed the policy of

restricted immigration to their countries for the Jews in groups that fled from the Nazi

persecution partly as a result of Further Right-Wing Parties that had grown in the countries and

anti-Semitic feelings. In the same manner, current discussions about the acceptance of refugees

from Syria into European countries is preoccupied with anti-Islam bigotry and cynical

politicking whereby established political actors use the specter of terrorism and cultural

incompatibility to exploit vulnerable citizens.

Religion and immigration policies impact not only to religions and the religious immigrant

groups but also go further to other religious groups as well. Thus, such policies can also affect

the social and cultural environment starting from the relations to religious diversity up to the

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contribution to cohesion or destruction of society. In addition, religious discrimination in the past

together with the continuation of the immigration policies can create the potential of current

conflict and controversies throughout again with reference to the American case about the

Immigration and Nationality Act of 1924, which reduced drastically only entrants of Southern

and Eastern Europeans and such individuals were merely Catholics or Jews. Therefore,

comprehending the connection between the policy of immigration and exclusion of religions

entails an understanding of the rooted historical, social, cultural and political aspects of

immigration in society beyond and in analyzing the potential impact of change in this policy on

inter-group relations.

- Case studies: Muslim bans, Christian quotas, and religious profiling

Religious exclusion and immigration policies are very related to one another when analyzing the

case of Muslim bans, Christian quotas and religious profiling. Many of them are performed to

express national sovereignty or to protect the nation’s interests, but the implications go beyond

and have a severe impact on the actors and their kin. For example, in the Trump’s presidency,

several Muslim bans meant and aimed at certain countries with predominantly Muslim

population meant to systematically exclude certain people based on their religion and prohibit

them from entering the United States of America. Another such policy that has been met with

legal challenges and public outrage shows how much controversy such religious-based

immigration policies can engender. In the same vein, Christian quotas spirit which discriminates

the Christian refugees and Jews asylum seeker against other religion refugees adversely affects

the Muslim population in the recipient countries such as Greece and Italy. These policies give

rise to such concerns as the rationes behind discriminating one religion against the other and they

also mirror the real societal vices and propose bigotry. In addition, there is still religious profiling

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or discriminating people based on religious beliefs as well as practices, which is still evident in

the immigration process. This can take the form of, increased security presence, arrest, or

deportation which only serves to deepen the already strained relationship between Muslim

communities and the government. Taken together, these types of case studies demonstrate the

multiplicity of ways in which immigration policies engage the religious and the enduring effects

of these practices on their subjects. Citing these policies means that society must remain vigilant

in seeking to dismantle prejudice and discover more about the historical cultural and political

factors that contributed to the construction and implementation of religious exclusion into

immigration policies this cannot be achieved without insistencies on more equitable and

inclusive refugee and immigration processes. Through furthering our current knowledge base

regarding technocratization of policies affecting the general populace and how it impacts a range

of subjects, it is possible to reduce the effects of restrictive policies on various forms of

businesses and increase treatment of each individual, of any faith, with respect.

- Discriminatory visa restrictions and asylum policies

Exploring religious discrimination together with immigration policies requires a focus of the

current visa and asylum policies that categorically address or apparently exclude different

religions. Discriminatory visa restrictions actually mean some countries’ practice to give certain

quota of immigrants, students, workers and tourists from some other countries depending on past

rivalry and political considerations based on religion. For example, when in 2018 the U.S.

administration introduced new restrictions on travel bans, the policy was largely justified on

account of security concern, but critics have accused the authorities of profiling Muslims and

discriminating against them. At the same time, the asylum policies are accused of being oriented

only towards individuals of certain religions, refugees receiving uneven outcomes in the fight for

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protection, depending on their beliefs. Recently the western media has reported several instances

of Christian, Hindu or Yazidi refugees being granted legal protection contrary to Muslim

refugees continue facing severe difficulties in getting a positive asylum finding. In addition, the

U.S., the U.K., and Australia have done nothing but abide their asylum legislation of entry which

bar individuals irrespective of their faith from seeking asylum making religious persecution a

standard issue in immigration policies.

The study of the religious asylum seekers shows that a latent discrimination in the evaluation of

the non-Christian asylum seekers exists while they are considered as being undeserving or being

below standards. This bias is supported by several factors; the cultural, historical and legal

viewpoint of the contemporary meaning of persecution. This traditional Western definition of a

refugee as somebody who has run away from religious persecution are more associated with the

holocaust, Balkan Christians and more recently Middle Eastern sectarian strife. As such, while

selecting asylum seekers for interview, or while determining their application, many asylum

officers and judges remain insensitive to persecution that is possibly faced by followers of less

well-know or of ancient religion and, as such, are inclined to give colored verdicts on such

asylum cases.

This principle that lays emphasis on protection of refugees from being expelled or to be returned

to their country of origin or any other country where their life and/or freedom will be in danger

due to their race, religion, nationality, membership to a particular political party or a social

group, has been under various interpretations depending on the country or jurisdiction of

application. An issue of debate here is that while deciding asylum cases, authorities have applied

inequitable standards in evaluating the authenticity of religious beliefs have also fluctuated,

regarding the non-refoulement principle, which has aggravated religious discrimination.

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Emerging cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic factors relating to religious identity complicate

the situation even more; the media, politicians, and the public’s opinion continue to portray

minority model minorities and burdensome immigrants at the extremes of the stereotype-religion

spectrum. This is seen where specific immigrant religion types like Hindus or East Asian

Christians are granted favorable reception compared to others, which leads to inequities in visa

grants and processing of asylum seekers applicants.” Immigration policies and those concerned

with it have to continue with the fight against bias drummed up by religious fanaticism in visas

and asylum issues and ensure that fair and viable systems that espouse justice and equality are

instituted. This can only be possible if anti-Muslim training and awareness programs are

developed and maintained for the long term; understanding of religious diversity, including

religious practices; and measures that prevent and eliminate situations where the legitimacy of

Muslim asylum seekers’ claims are called into question on the basis of their religion only. In this

manner, it would be possible to break the existing barriers preventing compliance with religious

liberty for the benefit of global society for all religions.

- Religious tests for refugees and asylum seekers

Religious restrictions on refugee and asylum applicants are emerging as a contentious debate in

the area of immigration politics and religious exclusion within the framework of religious

discrimination and immigration politics. In connection with broader debates on entering, rights

and assimilation of newcomers these tests pose relevant questions about rights and freedoms of

individuals who look for shelter in foreign countries. Consequently, the introduction of religious

criteria during the admission process has a possibility to violate fundamental tenets of religious

liberty, respecting other persons and belief systems, as well as the principle of pluralism, which

form the very core of human rights paradigm.

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An analysis of religious tests for refugees and asylum seekers: Although there is widespread

understanding that religious tests have only been historically used by different countries in order

to deprive undesirable religious communities of the rights to asylum and stay in the country, the

author aims at critically analyzing the primary concept of religious tests for refugees and asylum

seekers. Instead, they persist in new ways in today’s society, they are evident in matters like

religious profiling and the focus on specific faiths in the migration policy regime. For instance,

over the last few years many states have adopted measures to hold entry standards high for

people from countries that have a predominantly Muslim population, it has been suggested that

the religion that these people practice might be a threat to the national security of any society

they find themself in. This notion is highly toxic, as it does not only continue stereotyping and

stigmatization, but also violates the principle of equality and equal protection before the law

recognized in international human rights instruments.

Given the importance of religion as an identity marker and a source of belonging and cultural

memory, it is important to ask whether religious tests for refugees and asylum seekers are

acceptable, and if the debates belong to the broader category of religious prejudice and

immigration policies. Consequently, the practical tests of these discriminatory theologies risk

eradicating the basic human rights of religious liberty and cultural diversity which are crucial to

healthy society coexistence. Consequently, there are needs to accept and work on reducing the

number of factors that affect religious minorities in the area of immigration policies so as to

promote the rights and feelings of sympathetic concern for each human being regardless of his or

her religion. This in turn necessitates collective action on the part of governments, policymakers,

religious actors and civil society actors to combat and lessen the effects of religious

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discrimination in the process of immigration as well as advance the principles and standards of

human rights, citizenship and social integration.

- The politics of religious identity in immigration reform debates

Culture and politics matter in debates of religious identity of immigrants in the reform of the

immigration, and as such, are instrumental in informing the contour and impact of immigration

policies and their attendant concerns such as religious exclusion on immigration, personal

identity and collectivity. The topic of the course Religious Discrimination and Immigration

Policies provides an opportunity to analyze the intersections of religious identity, immigration,

and the politics of both with focus on the processes of exclusion and their impacts. Religion and

immigration have always been associated and politics as well, whereby religious affiliations were

employed as symbols of cultural and social cleavage in the fight for change in selective

immigration quotas. When immigration policies are being made, religion often emerges in the

process to determine the formation and enforcement of such policies either when some religions

are singled out for specific consideration or when some religious classifications are favored over

others. A clear illustration of this can be seen in the story of migration to the United States of

America where certain waves of immigrants were received with open hatred and spend most of

their time trying to gain rights as immigrants depending on their religion. For example, the anti-

Catholic bigotry was on the rise in early twentieth century America, with such culmination as

Know-nothing Movement, which aimed at barring Catholics and other non-Protestant

immigrants from entering the United States of America. As in other periods of the development

of the United States, today one can observe rather heated discussion concerning the place of

religion in the immigrant policies, especially in relations to Muslims. An emblematic case of this

is the debate over the so-called ‘Muslim ban” established by the Trump government in January

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2017, which suspended the entry of people from several Muslim majority countries into the

United States. This policy was strongly criticized for discriminating specific religion while

searching for insurance and according to the opponents this is a violation of Establishment

Clause and Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment. In addition to specific examinations of

exclusion based on religion in immigration policies, the effects of such policies can be analyzed

for the way that they create marginalization for religious minorities, within both the United

States and the countries of origin. Further, the religion-based discrimination in the immigration

policies impacts the religion liberty, tolerance and diversity of the societies. There are potentials

of; developing a culture of fear towards minority religious groups and developing more

animosity towards those minorities resulting in deepening of the social and cultural rifts. On the

other hand, immigration policies that embrace and seek to defend the rights of one’s religious

choices are good for the shaping of a liberal society. Thus, this paper has claimed that the politics

of religious identity matter regarding the processes of shedding light on the religious exclusion in

immigration policies. Consequently, they should be taken into consideration in classes where

religious Discrimination and/or immigration policies are to be studied and discussed because as

evident from the experience of most immigrant minority religious groups multiple aspects and

shades of meaning are involved at the crossroads of religion, identity, and immigration politics.

- The influence of geopolitics and security concerns on religious bias

Religious bias in the context of geopolitics and security concerns for the interpretation of the

formation of immigration policies may be viewed as complex in terms of historical, cultural, and

socio-economic factors. Modern international relations religious discrimination in immigration

policies remain the main unspoken ideas within which perceived ideas of religious groups as

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threats to the established order within national security, economic stability and cultural

conformity.

Political prejudices known as political racism historically increase religious bias in immigration

policies. Inter- national conflicts may create a feeling of insecurity among governments leading

to the formulation of immigration policies that may in the process have negative impacts on

specific religious groups. For instance, nations experiencing some turbulence with Muslim

nations will impose policies aimed at Muslim immigrants or citizens since all Muslims are

expected to be a danger because of their religion. At the same time, historical experiences can be

another type of influence, when prejudice rooted in religious conflicts of the past, or colonization

processes, define a conservative approach towards religious minorities and build specific

obstacle to their integration.

Economically influenced immigration policies minority religions may also foster institutional

discrimination against them by the dominant or ruling religions. During recession, governments

can become more defensive and protective of their own interests for their citizens, this includes

employment. This may result in social policies that are pro – some religions and anti-other

religions depending on the existing demography, state of the labor market, and affinity of the

religious beliefs to the perceived national character. For instance, the countries with Christian

domination may not encourage the Christian immigrants and at the same time, may show

hostility towards Muslim or any other immigrants who do not practice Christianity, thus;

religious prejudice in selecting immigrants.

Culture also has a part to play when it comes to religious bias in policies to do with immigration.

Inconsistent with the latter perspective, nations may wish to maintain ethnic purity and foster

social harmony by adopting dictums that minimize the arrival of religious denominations deemed

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inimical to the ethos of the receiving societies. This may stem from the citizens’ need to feel

together, given the religious factionalism and religious intolerance may be encouraged by prior

ethnographic findings of violent religious confrontation. This in turn may be indicative of a form

of culture dilution, where certain religions might be accepted more than others depending on

how the immigration policies believe that respective religions are willing to fit into nation

building.

Prejudice in immigrations based on religion is not easily determined and depends on so many

factors, geopolitical and security issues inclusive. By examining the reasons for religious

exclusion, the religious discrimination and immigration policies seeks to provide the knowledge

of how religion relates to politics and affects it, resulting in the formation of policies that may

exclude certain forms of religion. When completing the work related to this topic, students can

broaden their perspective on the topic of religion, immigration and geopolitics and contribute to

the formation of policies that support the integration of religious minorities into society.

3. THE IMPACT OF RELIGIOUS DISCRIMINATION ON IMMIGRANT COMMUNITIES

Although religious discrimination is a major issue of concern to immigrants’ adjustment,

integration and adaptation, the gaps in knowledge about religion, immigration and mental health

remain profound. Religious discrimination is one of the most evident examples of intolerance;

this means a prejudice against or cataclysm originating from differences in belief and practice

systems, which is apparent in social and structural forms. New immigrants, as well as, other

members of non–dominant religion face hurdles in finding a job, a place to live, or go to school.

Moreover, violent acts on the basis of religious bias are fairly common and, depending on the

outcome, can lead to such devastating effects as post-attack trauma and social isolation, and fear

for one’s life. Besides the interpersonal level, institutional level also plays a part in

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discriminating religions by immigration policy makers and implementers at governments and

civil society organization levels. For instance, restriction of refugee and asylum policies may

provide cover for some religious backgrounds, while denying others, thus perpetuating a

classification system of believers. Likewise, arguably race neutral laws may have a racist effect

and they compound the marginalization of religious minorities.

Secondly, religious minorities bear additional complexity of integration as they are usually

combining other markers of minority status, including race, ethnicity, language or gender thus

experiencing multiple discriminations. Sometimes members of religious minorities may either be

discriminated or discriminating through religious profiling on issues such as diet, clothing and

culture with the consequence being exclusion. Moreover, the religious minorities are also likely

to face some challenges in terms of explicit and implicit health, education and welfare services

access and integration because of language, culturally and organizational barriers. This can result

in the continuous social and economic inequality thus their absorption in the new societies is

poor. Therefore, it becomes imperative to discuss the different types and effects of religious

discrimination on immigrants and design effective measures of combating these problems. The

religious pluralism of immigrants should be an effective tool to enhance cooperation between

people and state to guarantee the development of both communities.

- Social, cultural and psychological consequences for migrants

Religious Discrimination and Immigration Policies course provides students with information on

religious intolerance and immigration policies, minority immigrants’ issues, and the struggles as

well as their accomplishments. Another important part of this investigation is understanding

social, cultural and psychological effects of religious-based persecution and stigmatization that

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are core for construct of migrants’ identity, experience, and interactions with others within the

host societies.

They undergo a host of social, cultural, and psychological impacts, arising from their different

faith from their hosts within the new society, as well as challenges in the process of acculturation

within their new communities. Thus, religious discrimination means not only physical violence,

harassment, and exclusion from communities but also alienation, frustration and feeling

vulnerable. Religion is a significant aspect of their persona; therefore, restrictions or disrespect

towards it might result in negative emotional states like depression, anxiety, and even post-

traumatic stress disorder.

In social life, migrants get negativism from their host communities because of the religion hence

feeling unwanted, rejected and outcast. For instance, the campaign against islamophobia was

displayed showing how Muslim immigrants were subjected to marginalization or used for policy

related goals which in result saw them isolated and mob justice taking root in their communities.

Losing one’s cultural heritage is also a process experienced by many religious minorities since

they face difficulties in preserving their culture and religion in new environments. This choice

very often creates conflict between maintaining cultural individuality on one hand and

conforming to cultural norms of the country they now reside in on the other, and this has effects

on their health.

When it comes to psychological intricacies, the choice between affiliation to their religion and

their relationship with their host country becomes a two-edged sword. On one side of the coin, it

gives them comfort, encouragement and fellowship on the other hand religious belonging makes

them experience tensions and pressure to align with the new religious ethos within their new

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context. This results to development of stressful intrapersonal conflict which in return hampers

their psychological wellbeing and functioning of their lives.

Further, when seeking asylum in or migrating to countries, which have different religious

demography, people have an uncertain future since the immigration policies as well as the

political systems of the countries may change. This increased stress, alongside the challenges

they face in acculturating into the new society, only presents a good opportunity for mental

health issues like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder to develop.

In conclusion, the social, cultural, psychological impacts immigrant has to face due to religious

persecution and stigmatization are noteworthy, which propounds religious intolerance in the

immigration policies. Understanding these impacts is vital for elaborating the strategies of

integration and support of these populations to consolidate religious tolerance and

interethnic/cultural harmony of multicultural societies. From this social problem and their root

causes, it is possible for society to endeavor to embrace religious pluralism inclusive policies to

support those in the religions.

- Case studies: Impact on Muslim, Jewish and Christian communities

Committee on Religious Discrimination, focusing on immigrants who are Muslims, Jews, and

Christians is one of the most searching contemporary problems. People who migrate experience

difficulties in the new country by language, cultural differences, and social exclusion. These

difficulties are however magnified if they come hand in hand with religious discrimination as

most nations experiencing religious intolerance do. The degree of religious bias that these groups

face results in mental disorder, poverty, and political exclusion that can compound their social

assimilation.

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In this paper the major cause of religious prejudice is use of immigration policies that either have

a direct or implied effect of religious discrimination. For instance, the Immigration and

Nationality Act (INA) of 1952 prohibits entry of some categories of immigrants into United

States since they are deemed to be security risks or socially undesirable and includes persons of

certain religions. This was well illustrated during the Trump administration which imposed a ban

on entry to the U.S for citizens of Muslim countries a move that received much resistance from

people of the Muslim faith.

Another big problem is the renewal of far-right and nationalist and xenophobe movements which

specifically affect religious minorities. These organizations which are sometimes affiliated to

populist political parties may support laws that either limit immigration, ban certain religions, or

even advocate for violence against them. For instance, in Europe, there has been the rise of far

right and nationalist movements whose aim is to ‘defend’ what they consider are Christian

European civilization from the menace of Muslims immigrants. Currently in France, the National

Front, led by Marine le Pen insisted on a fight against radical Islamism as well as prohibiting

burqa and other similar garments. In the same way, eastern European countries have increased

immigration policies and limitations to the freedom of religious expression, like Hungary and

Poland.

Still, discriminated Muslims are not the only people to suffer from religion intolerance. Other

issues affecting Jews exist in different parts of the world especially areas where Jews are

discriminated against due to what is referred to as an anti-Semitic fashion. Antisemitism and

Discrimination by religion and creed have been experienced in many countries and up to date.

For instance, in France, there have been incidences of racism especially anti-Semitic violence

like in synagogues and cemeteries. In some of the countries in Eastern Europe there are

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nationalist political parties which have not hesitated to develop anti-Semitic postures in order to

gain power.

Though Christian people may not be in the situation of facing much religious discrimination like

Muslims and Jews, they also have issues to face as far as immigration and integration are

concerned. In some countries of immigration, Christian immigrants can be seen as being less

foreigners since they share cultural and religious tendencies with the people of a given country,

this in turn results in the Christian immigrant being pressured to abandon his or her cultural and

religious practices and conform to those of the new country. As far as racism is concerned this

has been experienced regarding Latin American Immigrants in the United States where they are

discriminated on the basis of their religious and cultural practices.

There are different effects of religious prejudice that may be reflected in the state of mental

health of immigrants, the level of poverty that stays unaddressed, and political isolation. The

experiences of refugees have already shown that, the process of resettlement is more stressful for

minorities from religious background because of language barriers, cross cultural difference and

social exclusion. Moreover, religious prejudice can cause further stress and make them anxious,

constant stress and anxiety affects their both physical and mental health. A study done by

University of California, Berkeley discovered from their survey, Muslim women who wore

hijabs had higher stress, anxiety and depression than women who did not.

Furthermore, this religious prejudice also leads to poverty and social exclusion and other

immigrant groups. Non-mainstream followers can be discriminated at the work place due to

prejudice and may experience challenges in acquisitions of education, health and other essential

services. This may make the community lock in a poverty trap, where they remain needy and

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continue relying on social welfare assistance thereby providing grounds for the perpetration of

religious bigotry.

In the social-political domain, the last impact of religious prejudice to the immigrant

communities is political marginalization. It affords minority religious groups the opportunity to

feel that they are not being represented in the mass society. In some cases, this leads to political

disengagement and disillusionment and in other cases, leads to political activism to counter

religious prejudice. Groups and individuals belonging to the immigration category may lobby

their issues in concern with religious bias and fight for their justice through both law and politics.

Altogether, prejudice in religious terms affects immigrants and their populations in many ways,

mainly if the immigrants originate from Muslim, Jewish or other Christian penetration.

Government policies such as immigration, the emergence of nationalist movements and cultural

prejudice can reduce these groups to the status of minorities. The dilemma for modern policy

makers and religious authorities, as well as non-governmental organizations and other groups of

civil society is how to find ways to fight these phenomena and for everyone to acknowledge the

equality and rights of individuals of different faiths. Therefore, one can achieve the improvement

of a more tolerant, accepting, and empathetic culture that embraces cultural differences.

- The role of faith-based organizations in advocating for religious minorities

Religious organizations are also key in the global advocacy for the rights of religious minority

since most of them are affected within the frame work of immigrants. Thus, it is only proper to

examine various staking interests with regards to religious discriminations and its relevance on

immigration, one of which is the faith-based organizations. These organizations add a dimension

that normally is not discussed in such forums and can at times greatly influence the development

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of public policies and create better relations between different communities. More often than not,

faith-based organizations have the abilities needed to accommodate the religious minorities in

immigrants because often they are dependent on immigrant organizations, because of cultural or

linguistic similarities that are guaranteed to create a bond with religious minorities.

The efforts of faith-based organizations in lobbying for religious minorities it based on religious

tenets of fighting injustice and discriminating against people. Through making people more

informed of the existing plight and sufferings of the religious minorities in the different part of

the world, they play the advocacy role of putting pressure on the politicians. Such activities may

include lobbying and supporting policy change for instance through briefing sessions and

preparing policy and political stand papers. This type of advocacy can assist in changing the

perception of religious minorities, debunking myths and prejudices and create a tolerance

society.

Religious faith-based organizations may also directly offer some social services to religious

minorities in immigrant populace. This may involve providing of assistance, information and

advice to religious discrimination and hate crimes victims. It is therefore possible for them to

provide direct support that will be able to minimize on the social and psychological effects of

religious intolerance. However, alongside this there remains valuable scope for faith-based

organizations to continue the process by which groups from different faiths can meet, explore the

ground and develop better relations, common dialogue and understanding.

Religious organizations have especially been very active in campaigning for changes in policy in

the area of immigration to increase protection of the minority religions. They have contributed a

lot in changing the perception of the population especially on such matters as refugee settlement,

asylum and religious liberty, advocating for fair and favorable conditions that the religious

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minority in the new world enjoy and have a chance to prosper. For example, the USCCB and the

Church World service have been involved with the process of refugee resettlement for long and

special consideration of religious minorities fleeing persecution in their home country.

Religious institutions also interact with immigrants who assist them in the course of their

struggle through the legal proceedings. They might also provide legal assistance, guidance and

help with issues related to immigration, refugees, and citizenship. Furthermore, one should not

underestimate specific qualities of faith-based organizations which can help to build a strong

community, this world, religious minorities shall be empowered to take the post and fight for

their rights and, thus, be useful actively contributing to the improvement of their position in the

future. In this case, engaging them in leadership programs or management training, are potential

ways that can assist in building positive social relationships among immigrants.

Faith-based organizations can be seen as playing a critical role of ensuring that religious

minorities gain citizenship in countries of immigration. Through education, outreach, service

delivery capacity, advocacy and shaping policies, as well as building connections between

different communities they fulfill a key social justice, multiculturalism and human rights role.

Therefore, their views on religious bigotry and immigration laws must not be dismissed because

they could assist in the formation of a tolerant society for all.

- Religion as a source of resilience and identity for migrants

Religion helps the migrants to have hope and meaning in their lives as they try to reestablish by

offering them morale and identity while in new unfamiliar territories. For many immigrants,

religion is their source of direction in the otherwise complex and difficult to navigate landscape

of migration. Religion and resilience are most complex and significant since they serve as a

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reference for people’s behavior and moral values and provide support to rely on. For the

uncertainty of everything where a person is a stranger and lonely, a religious group provides the

migrants emotional, spiritual and social relief and stability in stormy waters.

Unfortunately, religion can act as a source of comfort, as migrants desperately need one in the

strange new society. It cuts across countries and traditional cultural practices and enables them to

practice their culture without losing touch with their roots. By expressing this, they are able to

form a representation of their initial group, and maintain a culture of the people in the new

environment. Despite suppression and exclusion from religious practice, religion remains a

strength and the medium through which migrants can forcibly assert their voices.

Nonetheless, although religion as a source of power and protection inherent in immigrants is not

bad, it also opens the door to religious discrimination and prejudice. Religion is a significant

factor in people’s lives, so it can work with and against the development of unity in society.

Precisely this identity can turn into a subject of hatred by those who bear a grudge against

representatives of a subordinate cultural and ethnic minority and become a source of a new round

of religious persecution, which only adds to the misfortune of migrants. Plus, as more religious

minorities come out into the open, it is easier for any hatred and hostility based on religion or

culture to be turned on them.

Religious institutions also experience nearly all of religious persecution as I hope to demonstrate

with several examples where places of worship have been known to suffer from restrictions,

closures, and/or closures for perceived threats of migration or the dilution of culture. This in turn

weakens the spiritual support of the immigrant community and makes its members emotionally

fragile; reduces their capacity to resist adverse circumstances and this makes them lack

appreciation for belonging into the new country they have relocated to. Given the patterns of

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religious persecution that continue to escalate around the world most especially for the minority

group and the underlying risks of extremism, religious diversity and pluralism should be

embraced by society alongside the rights and needs of immigrants.

Therefore, religion occupies a specific place in the immigrant’s life – the stability and sense of

the self in the midst of insecurity. However, when embraced it can expose them to religious-

based discrimination and prejudice, which triggers more odds and hurdles. If one has to

understand immigrant communities and their religious persecution rights, society needs to

sympathize and learn more of culture and religious tolerance. It will in this way, assist in the

creation of a diverse society by promoting the integration of immigrants and increase religious

tolerance thereby improving their standing in the new world.

- Intersectionality: Religion, race and immigration status

This paper argues that intersectionality demographic analyses that combine interaction between

different structures of oppression including religion, race, and immigrant status investigation of

religious discrimination affects religious communities. To analyze religious discrimination and

immigration policies intersectionality provides useful information about the complex situation of

religious minority immigrants face. The intended course Religious Discrimination and

Immigration Policies will focus to try to critically analyze how the interactions of religion, race,

and immigration shape current and historical experience of targeted religious minorities in

different countries and attempt to delineate various challenges and forms of inequalities that

those faith-based communities encounter in searching for justice and equality.

This paper has found that religious minorities in their host countries bear the brunt of prejudice

perceptions as well as hostility due to color, faith, and immigration status. Altogether these

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factors contribute to the generation of intense oppression where people and collective entities

feel outcast, endangered and at risk. For example, while Muslim immigrants often suffer racism

and xenophobia resulting from their dark skin color and unfamiliarity with local English, they

feel even more unsafe because of their religion. Likewise, undocumented immigrants’

populations may face prejudice based on their immigration status, and their religion increases

their social and legal marginalization.

Moreover, intersectionality shows that it is possible to have a double or a multiple oppression for

religious minority immigrants because of the roles that religion, color and immigration status

play. For instance, black Muslims in America experience three forms of oppression and

discrimination because of their religion, color and immigrating status. Ahmadiyya Muslims from

Pakistan whose experience is characterized by severe persecution because of their faith and

whose immigrant status amplifies their feelings of religious discrimination and social

marginalization. Every one of these factors synthesize a highly charged mix of adversities that

make it extremely difficult for them to assimilate into the societies and or gain access to the

resources and opportunities that are fundamental to human existence.

For that matter, this course on religious discrimination and immigration policies aims at

unpacking these multifaceted interfaces and explain the nuances of the numerous types of

exclusion and subjugation among religious minority immigrant groups. Nonetheless, through

comparing the experiences of different types of faith-based organizations, the course will open

and deconstruct the various barriers to social inclusion that continue to persist when tackling

social injustice. It is necessary to understand intersectionality in terms of the religious minorities

and challenges regarding the immigration policies which can help to reveal the multiple

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discriminative factors involved in the continuation of such oppressions and develop better

approaches for the improvement of the treatment for minorities and immigrants.

Finally, it is crucial to understand connections between religion, race, and immigration statuses

for the balanced and fair immigration policies and the inclusive society creation. The course thus

mandates an evaluation of the contemporary policies on immigration, the effects of such policies

on religious minority immigrant populations, and how such policies may further the margins and

religious prejudice. In this way, by adopting an intersectional approach to the study of religious

discrimination and immigration policies, the course aims at preparing its students with the

knowledge, skills, and attitudes that would help contribute to the construction of a just, equal,

and more humane world.

4. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS IN IMMIGRATION POLICY

The issue of ethical issues related to immigration and specifically religious discrimination in

immigration is a topic that is worth discussing at length because of the following reasons. The

holy books, the Bible, the Quran and other related sacred scriptures and teachings advocate for

love for our neighbors. Catholic social teaching follows the Bible and the Quran dictum – ‘Love

your neighbor as yourself’ and is therefore a call to shower affection on all the members of the

human family including the immigrants. Currently, one of the most important objectives of

regulating approaches in the field of immigration reflects the task of developing immigration

policies that correspond to religious standards but are also important for the people of different

states. One of them is the awareness of the proper rights and perquisites of citizens and refugees

or immigrants in search of a better life.

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The concept of a sacredness of life is a core belief in most cultures of the world, based on

primary religious beliefs, such as Christians, Muslims, Jewish, and others. It means that a human

being has inherent value and since the state is the supreme manifestation of the populace’s will, it

is bound by the imperative to safeguard the rights of every single person, legal or otherwise. In

addition, any policies that exclude or deny people’s rights based on their faith or cultural beliefs

are in essence wrong and unjust according to religious beliefs and may even be considered sinful.

Among the things to consider when developing immigration laws is religious persecution, and

how it may manifest itself. This is stating true especially to the United States where there is

always prejudice that has been pointed towards immigrants and nativism. This concern is

especially heightened if the targeted persons belong to the religious minority for example,

Muslim, who might be either refused entry or subjected to extreme borderline scrutiny.

Concerning religious discrimination and immigration laws, one can mention the question of the

sanctuary cities and states. These entities have sought to shield the undocumented immigrants

arguing that it is lawful under the constitution to respect the free practicing of religion, but have

been opposed by those who feel that such policies are against the law or the wishes of the

populace.

The effects of immigration policies cannot but touch such a component as the economic one.

There are numerous religious cultures that can associate one with compassionate obligations to

the destitute, the stranger, the poor, etc. There are some pragmatic arguments for the viewing of

immigrations as something beneficial to both the host country and to the immigrants in the form

of the means for achievement of a better status, being educated and becoming integrated into

society. Policies that hinder immigration or that ensure immigrants cannot attain steady sources

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of income would be considered as being against the principles of religion; immigrants are likely

to be chained at the bottom of society, and this cycle of poverty is cycle continuation.

The relation between ethical issues around the immigration policy and religion. As policies are

made on the base on the framework outlined by the society, therefore the moralities involved in

the treatment of the newcomers cannot be overemphasized since it frames the society’s ethical

outlook. Policy makers, religious leaders and people of faith, will have to ask ourselves how we

can develop the kind of immigration policies that we are committed to as men and women of

faith and conscience.

- Balancing national security with religious freedom

The export of state security as a factor in determining immigration policies and at the same time

protecting religious spaces and freedom is one of the most delicate issues that would require a lot

of work in ethical thinking. Central for the lawmakers to accept the role and importance of both

religious freedom and sovereignty while addressing complicated construct of immigration

policies. On one hand, religious freedom should be preserved as a general legal tendency and an

immediate legal standard protected by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the First

of the United States Constitution. Compelling people to cease being religious as a citizen, in

other words, compel them to surrender their religious identity and practices to a country is a

violation of their rights and freedoms and is likely to lead to the rejection of pluralism. Thus

immigration policies should not bar or discourage entries of people on grounds of their religious

beliefs as this a violation of their human rights and dire individual sovereignty. Furthermore, as a

moral and legal requirement of states, which signed international treaties or are parties to

relevant conventions including the 1951 Refugee Convention, the refugees and asylum seekers

fleeing persecution based on their religion should be accepted. Suffering that the persecution in

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the past across religions, like holocaust, tells us that if the society is blind to the suffering of

those in process of seeking asylum from religious oppression, then it is its own doom.

On the opposite, national security should be maintained as it is primarily responsible for the

safety of the people of a given country and may help to prevent the penetration of radical or

terrorists. Such a fine line becomes especially important in view of the threats emanating from

the source of religious extremism and a present possibility of utilizing the immigration system as

a launching pad to realize its goals among apparently innocuous applicants, supporters or

followers of this bigotry of extremism. Governments should conduct proper screening and use

stringent prevention measures on anybody or organization that is a potential threat to state

security, regardless of their religion. These measures should not be a reason of a person ethnicity,

nationality or religious belief but acting as a measure tied to a particular person in view of

concrete evidence that would implicate him or her as a terrorist or radical element. By seamlessly

integrating and balancing religion and security, the nations can create a good and orderly

immigration policy system that respects the democratic, human rights, and social integration

principles.

Countries should work on improving the relations between immigrant/refugee and the host’s

native religion during the integration of these immigrants/refugees into the society. The

misunderstanding between religious leaders and other individuals within the community can be

overcome through discussion where the leaders and members sit down and freely discuss with

each other. As a result, this will be progressing the society to embrace the rights and productivity

of all its citizens disregarding their religious affiliation hence enhancing the considerations of

religious diversity to enhance the inter-religious tolerance of different religions.

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However, it is important to admit that there are certain concerns regarding an effective

achievement of this objective of the state, namely the difficulties in balancing the issues of

national security and religious freedom. Staving these two aspects may come with some

challenging that include a limitation of the rights of some individuals or groups an issue that may

receive immunity from those who may consider it as antithetical to human rights and democracy.

Elected officials should, therefore, regularly assess their performance and compare it to that

expected; objectives of any immigration policy should promote respect for the rights and

freedoms of every person as well as protect national security.

Therefore, the balancing of the rights to national security and that to religious freedom is among

some of the major ethical questions touching on immigration policies. This is, however,

something that is very important/base on the individual rights’ freedom to practice their

religion/and well as protecting national borders from anti citizens/incitements to terrorism and

other democratic vices. There is always hope in the faith that through the formulation of polices

of tolerance, cohesion, and understanding tolerance between different religious groups, different

countries of the world can foster the human rights and dignity of every individual no matter the

religion they practice. Finally, and most importantly, it is not only a paramount legal and ethical

responsibility but also a sound guarantee for the future of the country to strive for the welfare of

its people.

- Ethical dilemmas in prioritizing certain religious groups over others

Policies of immigration usually emerge as rather complex matters without clear and

unambiguous solutions and people with different views and opinions. A valuable but contentious

area that requires a closer examination of ethics in immigration policy introductions is a notion

of an ethically compromised priority assignment to certain religions at the detriment of others.

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This is especially pertinent in the context of the course Religious Discrimination and

Immigration Policies for the very reason that it empowers students to delve deeper into the

further impacts of policies which, albeit being designed without the intent to do so, may well

perpetuate or perhaps even intensify religious prejudice in the desired community.

As one looks at the objectives of immigration policies, the nature of these ethical concerns

becomes even clearer. Though these policies are designed to solve different humanitarian crises,

protect the state’s security, and spur economic development, new tensions and conflicts might

appear within the host country and in immigrant groups. It turns out that when the government,

or policy makers for that matter, decide to name their priorities, the migration of certain religious

groups, the implications that arise from this decision can be profound. For example, if

immigration policy was to allow only the persecuted Christians to seek asylum from the Muslim

dominated countries, there could be religious bias leading to resentment from the other

persecuted religions such as Muslims or the Jews who feel that their plight is not being

recognized. This may lead to undue competition among immigrants hence the spirit of customer

integration and togetherness is lost due to diversity hence defeats the rationale for diversity.

Another important factor, which necessarily emerges into focus when discussing priorities

provided to some religions in immigration policies, is the question of religious freedom and

human rights. This struggle must be meaningful for political decision-makers to think about

long-term impacts of their choices concerning religious minorities and the question of whether

certain groups’ preference over others creates equality for all faiths. For instance, a policy that

lock out religious minorities may perpetuate prejudice attitudes and the systematic relegation of

these groups to the background of their host country, thus negating the very spirit of a pluralist

society that cherish and uphold religious diversity.

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Also, it tends to cause conflict of interest among the said religious groups and in effect,

worsening the religious split. By denying equal and fair treatment to all the immigrants

regardless their religion, the policymakers in question are likely to foster more divisions within

society, hamper integration initiatives and erode the credibility of the governments in question.

Moreover, giving preference to one religious group over another will cause more controversy

over the immigration policy and shortcomings can be accused of political influence over

immigration and favoring a particular religion group, resulting to loss of public confidence in the

administration.

It becomes hard to separate the matter of the premium given to specific religious factions in

immigration processes from the general historical and cultural setting of the receiving country.

For instance, the nations that experienced Christianization and have traditional connections with

this religion might face difficulties in recognizing the same support to other religions, as a result

exoticizing prejudices. Likewise, states with a historical aversion to extensive secularism may

also face challenges in accommodating religion to their systems of immigrations since they are

reluctant to establish a precedent that may compromise their Sate-Church divide.

Thus, the issue of the preferences given to certain denominations in immigration policies is

explained by numerous and substantial ethical questions which should be analyzed

comprehensively. It means that the policymakers should somehow balance between the

sometimes-conflicting humanitarian, security or economic concerns that drive them while

respecting the principles of religious equality and human rights. If the existing international

pressures are taken into consideration and balanced with other factors, the future immigration

policies may aim not only at tackling global problems but also at building the society that

recognizes religious diversity of immigrants and embraces multiculturalism. The Religious

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Discrimination and Immigration Policies course is an excellent chance for students to study these

issues in more detail and discuss them with others to build better strategies concerning

immigration in the future.

- Human rights frameworks and religious discrimination in immigration

Combating Discrimination and Immigration and Human Rights on Immigration Laws and

Policies: Religious Discrimination is a subtopic of a broader category ‘Ethical Considerations in

Immigration Policy’ and are indispensable parts of the lectures ‘Religious Discrimination and

Immigration Policies’. Over positivity, immigration policies are anchored in economic, social,

and political factors but they have to be sensitive to recognize and protect human rights of all

human beings regardless to their religion`s affiliations. Non-discrimination is one of the

principles mainstreamed in human rights regimes, which require governments and other actors

not to discriminate rights, protections or opportunities based on religion, ethnicity among others.

As a rule, this principle is violated in practice, especially in the case of the consideration of

immigration issues. There are different ways of discriminating the religious groups in

immigration policies: complete socially exclusion of specific religious groups, giving preference

to other groups or imposing additional requirements or restrictions that are burdensome to those

whose religion is specific. For example, some countries have directly banned the entry of certain

religious minorities. For instance, the Baha’is in Iran or Ahmadiyya community in Pakistan or

limited the entire influx of refugees or asylum seekers from certain faith background. For

example Muslim refugees in USA in 1980s.

The second frequent type of religious discrimination as to immigration polices is to put minority

religious persons through more or different security checks or request them to submit overly

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much paperwork before getting visas or entry permits. This can be a real problem for any

immigration, most especially when one is coming from a country where his or her religion is

persecuted and which puts him or her in the position of having to make what is, essentially an

impossible choice of either obeying his or her religion or cease planning on immigrating.

Perhaps, religious minorities may encounter difficulties in the acknowledgement of their

marriage or family status which may lead to life threatening complications with regards to

immigration or reunion or social services.

The immigration policies should be fashioned and implemented in a way that does not

compromise the rights of any individual based on his or her religion. This entails that there is the

need for policymakers to allow policies that are color blind but at the same time, policies that

will protect and guarantee religious diversity and equality. This may include the development of

rigid and objective standards that will guide the evaluation of one’s suitability to be granted

immigration, offering aid and assistance to members of religious minorities seeking immigration,

and also development of structures for independent and efficient evaluation of the immigration

process.

In addition, it is important for the policymakers to consult and lobby religious and community

leaders, NGOs and other stakeholders willing to work for the rights of religious minorities in

order to formulate and promote appropriate policies. This may include creating strategies and

interventions about and for the relevant deprived groups, the implementation of focused

awareness creation and provision of relevant materials to clientele groups, and designing

watchdog systems for assessing the effectiveness and fairness of called-for policies.

People and institutions that strive for the promotion of human rights and equality should fight

religious discrimination in immigration policies and demand changes. This can include the

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employment of legal and advocacy techniques to challenge governments and institutions for their

actions, service delivery to those who are affected by religious persecution, and campaigning for

the correct policy on religious asylum.

Religious discrimination on immigration policies is a challenge to the non- discrimination and

human rights. Though, when formulating and encouraging the enforcement of the polices that

affirm and protect human rights, especially the freedom of religion and belief of every

individual, the lawmakers have the major and immense responsibility in ensuring and fostering

the human rights, justice and dignity in the nation.

- The moral responsibility of states toward religious minorities

Minority faiths are usually marginalized and at great risks for persecution when finding asylum

or moving to other countries when the receiving state’s immigration laws do not have adequate

provisions to safeguard and uphold the rights of such individuals. When addressing the flow of

ethic-connected imperative points concerning the immigration policies, states have to develop

policies that can meet the moral obligation towards the religious minorities taking into account

the justice, fairness and equality principles. Religious Discrimination and Immigration Policies

as the name suggests is a course that provides an understanding of how critically important

religious discrimination can become in a society to such extent that immigrations policies either

help to worsen or improve the situation of religious minorities.

Moral responsibility in relation to the role of religious minorities in formulation and application

of immigration policies has been discussed in different theories such as human rights, social

inclusion, and justice. First of all, the states have a legal duty to make sure their polices on

immigration are compliant with the IHRL that bans religious discrimination and guarantees

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freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. When adopting such approaches in formulating

immigration policies, the states provide every person the same chance of seeking asylum or

improvement regardless of their religion.

The process of assimilation of the religious minorities in host societies has a strong potential of

positively enhancing social frameworks and cohesiveness of the societies in which the minorities

find themselves. That is why the successful integration of religious minorities into the states’

population can positively influence the promotion of tolerance, inclusiveness, and interaction

between various people with the view of different religious and cultural views. Though, this

brings the question of how some states that accept immigrant friendly policies will offer

protection that meets the needs of religious minorities such as languages, religious practices in

workplaces, and places of worship and religious institutions.

For states to be equally fair and just in their immigration policies they need to have a balanced

approach towards the issue and the reasons as to why a person would want to migrate may be

from persecution, socio-economic differences or environmental factors. To this end, states must

appreciate the fact that the religious minorities who seek asylum, or migrate to other countries

are mostly running away from extreme brutality in the form of religious persecution. Therefore,

there is the moral responsibility on all states and their governments to come up with policies that

seek to protect and guard vulnerable people.

The moral duty that is incumbent on states with regards to religious minorities within

immigration policies is vast and encompasses human rights, social equality, justice, and fairness.

Thus, fulfilling the principles of religious freedom states can develop and enforce the

immigration policies in order to promote creation of justice and equal opportunities for religious

minorities without any discrimination, persecution in host countries. Thus, the course on

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Religious Discrimination and Immigration Policies helps to prepare students to have proper

knowledge and critical thinking required to fight for such policies, to help improve the living

conditions of immigrants and make people of the world smarter and more tolerant.

- The ethics of “securitization” in immigration policies

The modern society is experiencing diverse issues referring to immigration, and most of them are

pressed by different geopolitical, economical, and cultural factors. In this context the idea of

‘securitization’ of immigration policies has come up as a very sensitive matter of discussion

which poses significant questions regarding the relevance of religion, security and rights in the

formulation of such policies. This concept in essence means process by which immigration is

portrayed as a threat to the national security of a country hence the introduction of measures

which are strict and at times even authoritarian aimed at regulating the flow of people from one

country to another. Despite this, this approach is often justified based on the principle of

sovereignty, culture, and economy, and, therefore, it engages religious values and cultures, which

presents a major ethical dilemma to policymakers, religious agencies, and citizens.

Most seriously, securitization can be tied to worrying processes of the exclusion and ostracism of

the religious minorities especially those hailing from conflict-prone and religious volatile crisis

or strife-ridden areas of the world. For instance, the refugee crisis in Europe in 2015 led to the

rise of Muslim phobia and policies targeting Muslims, some countries that practice stringent

measures of screening and profiling, put refugees from Muslim countries through multiple and

rigorous tests. Such policies are said to do injustice not only to principles of religious liberty and

anti-discrimination but even to humanitarian and moral values as espoused in many of the

religious teachings, the Christian teaching of hospitality to the stranger and the Islamic mandate

to be compassionate towards the needy.

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The securitization of immigration policies can result in more profound impacts on the authority

and power of religious organizations responsibly for religious freedom, religious practices and

religious dissent expression and religious and social support for spiritual and congregational

needs. For example, depicting the wearing of some type of garment as a wrongdoing or holding

undocumented immigrants in relatively unsuitable conditions. These practices may encroach

upon the rights and liberties of people and yield damaging impacts on the spiritual and

institutional health of religious faiths that, in turn, impact not only the individual, but also social

and religious sphere of the countries for which such communities act as hosts.

In order to overcome these challenges, it is necessary to define an ethical perspective that

embraces the proper value of human dignity, welfare and rights of immigrants and religious

minorities on the one side and on the other side it takes into consideration the legitimate interests

of the host countries. Such an endeavor would require a radical reassessment of the course, scope

and characteristics of the immigration policies and their practices aimed at fostering social

integration, and acceptance of the other policy. Therefore, it means that policymakers, religious

leaders, and citizens need to discuss and argue the issues of the desired immigration policy with

the help of numerous religious and secular sources in moral teachings. In this way they will be

able to assist in the formation of social contexts that are both secure and pluralist, democratically

strong and tolerant societies. This task is not only moral but also ontological in a globalizing

context where multiculturalism and increasing dependency of one nation on another means that

the shape of immigration law and policy and the very inhabitants of this planet have a great stake

in this matter.

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5. MOVING TOWARD INCLUSIVE IMMIGRATION SYSTEMS

Immigration systems can be described as integrated structures, and this particular topic has

attracted consideration in the current world given the increasing incidences of religious and

ethnic conflicts. First, the matter of religion plays an important role in any perspective of

immigration which is inclusive. For this reason, for the governments, civil society organizations

and all the stakeholders there is a pressing imperative for ensuring that the communities are open

to the persons of different religions. This can include the process of social reintegration of

religious groups and minorities, dialogue between local religious leaders and people, as well as

public acknowledgment of the benefits that religious minorities can produce for absorbing

countries.

Moreover, much more should be done concerning religious oppression and protection to those

who are running away from severe conditions. Over the past few years, it has become apparent

that religious minorities have started suffering from a higher degree of discrimination as they

reported on feeling persecution in their respective home countries and have been seeking asylum

in different countries. However, it is important for the international community to intervene and

offer its assistance in helping such people and also to use its efforts in addressing the causes of

religious hatred and intolerance. It can encompass negotiation and partnership on behalf of a

nation and/or engaging in roles such as peace-making and stabilization, giving out aid in a region

that has been devastated by conflicts.

Besides combating the problem of religious oppression, great attention should be paid to the fact

that the liberal policies that regulate administration of refugee status and immigration should not

pose a threat to some specific religious groups. This may include a process of reviewing US

immigration policies ad practices at least annually to determine the degree of religious profiling

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or bias. However, there is the need to embrace the cultural and religious diversity of immigrants

and also value their unique input to the new societies they inhabit. This can involve actively

helping religious groups engage in their freedom of religious exercise, including enabling them

to engage in religious worship, as well as assimilation of information about other cultures and

religion.

Openness to create more inclusive immigration systems must also be built with equal

opportunities for people otherwise, irrespective of their belief. This can entail offering equal

rights for education, employment, and other social services and are when immigrant is also

should be allowed to exercise all rights in host countries politically and in the civil aspect. Last

but not least, it is necessary to help immigrants to become responsible members of society, to

feel themselves as citizens. This it entails policies that include encouraging people to vote as well

as addressing the issues of language as well as culture in countries other than the immigrants’

own as well as encouraging the civilization of immigrants.

Thus, the need to promote an understanding of the new immigrating world as religiously diverse

must be informed by government and non-governmental organizations along with people around

the world to solve this major challenge. Thus, religious diversity, religious persecution, profiling

and bias as well as equitable and civil status for all immigrants should be embraced to foster

greater constructiveness of social relations.

- Best practices for addressing religious discrimination in immigration

Towards more inclusive immigration systems means calling into question and change current

policies to end religious discrimination. Because religion forms an essential part of the identity

of people, an immigration policy should respect the differences in religion and ensure that every

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religious person has equal rights and opportunities like everyone else. The best practice in this

respect is avoidance of a policy that may favor or disfavor any religious formations, for example,

using religion as a criterion to admit or expel students. In the same sense, immigration policies

should also consider chances of religious repression, and offer political asylum and shelter

according to the religious beliefs as well. This is the case of extended guidance and fast-tracking

for patients having life-threatening conditions because of their religion.

Moreover, there are religious disparities that have not been effectively addressed in immigration

system; however, in order to eliminate these prejudices, it is necessary to train government

agencies and officials correspondingly about such types of discrimination. These may range from

extending information on how to implement religious exceptions and concessions in the proper

ways to perhaps explaining how religious liberties can be allowed to come to pass in a particular

society. Furthermore, policymakers need to pay a lot of attention in order to exercising strict non-

establishment clause hence ensures that none of the actions taken by the policymakers favors any

religious test in the immigration processes.

An inclusively fair admission policy should also address constant concentration’s integration and

inclusion of religious minorities in the host societies. This can be done with the help of language

and cultural academies where immigrants are informed about the religious and social policies of

the new country, cultural differences, the need for increasing interfaith tolerance, and so on.

Activities such as interfaith dialogues and involvement in community activities can be used to

increase acceptance of religious minorities hence reducing xenophobia and religious intolerance.

The final theme for transitioning to an inclusive approach to immigration is that the following

should be adequately ascertained and facilitated: Legal representation, resources, and services for

people experiencing religious persecution, religious minorities. Such services should include

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provision of religious reasonable accommodations and efficient handling of special situations

that respect the religious aspects of the client. In addition, an inclusive system is supposed to

offer clear and efficient means of addressing both the religious discriminative claims arising

from the immigration processes and the disputes resulting from the discrimination.

The immigration policies need to be more effective and comprehensive, since combined efforts

towards religious impartiality require constant review of immigration policies for religious bias.

All the government agencies should collect and analyze data about religious inequalities at a

frequent manner when used when composing the report of any particular system change in order

to ensure the systematic forward movement. To this end, public policy makers and government

departments should engage with religiously diverse groups, grass-root organizations and people

of law to establish where the loopholes in the existing policies and practices that serve to

enhance religious discrimination.

The shift towards more inclusionary migration policies requires that for religious discriminations

and injustices to be redressed, there must be more than a measure in operation – there must be

change from top to bottom. Thus, by using fair admission policies, availability of added services,

and inclusion of religious minorities in policy making decisions, the policymakers and

governmental agencies shall be able to provide this certain section of society equal opportunity

and respect for all those who are following any religion or none at all. All these efforts, therefore,

will culminate towards building a more embracing society with assistance from continuous

monitoring, avowal and participation from a variety of stakeholders.

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- Policy reforms and inclusive immigration frameworks

Towards the establishment of an integrated immigration system, it is pertinent to analyze existing

structures in immigration policies and carry out policy changes that would meet the challenges of

immigrants hosting. In this process, it is also important to assess religious discrimination in

immigration policies since it defines an individual’s opportunity to immigrate, receive social

support, or get legal permission. Discriminatory measures against certain religious group are

seen in immigration policies by way of quotas in religious minorities, granting of special

privileges for people of certain religious background, or stringent religious tests before one can

be allowed naturalization, since these can profoundly affect spiritual minorities. In order to

address these problems, the policy makers have to create a sound approach to the immigration

that should not only protect the rights of religious minorities but also guarantee their cultural,

linguistic and religious identity without forcing them to adapt to the society standards.

Immigration policy should take into account the special problems individual refugees and asylum

seekers face as, in many cases, they are forced to leave their countries because of religious

persecution. Focusing on the defense of numerous weak people, the United States can help to

ease the difficulties faced by religious minorities persecuted in particular regions and let them

become more effective within the new environment. This approach would entail a deeper

understanding of religious conflicts worldwide and violations of human rights to address needs

of religiously persecuted parties to the extent that assistance will be needed from global

organizations.

Secondly, the policies on immigration should respect civil authorities and they should not be

dominated by religious authorities as they set mode or standards for admission to the country. It

seems to encourage other religious practices so as to be spared rather than to have them

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hampered or neglected. For example, the United States could create programs for offering

resources for the religious and cultural groups to practice their religion and cultural practices in

America as they adapt into the American society. In this way, it will be possible to involve

religious minorities in the country’s life and provide them with the necessary conditions for their

activity, while they will trust the authorities and want to make their contribution to the country’s

further development.

Not only should attachment be granted to religious institutions to secure their place and enable

them to carry out their functions, multiculturalism should also be promoted through immigration

by preserving and acknowledging the differences in religious and cultural customs of

immigrants. Anti-discrimination and recognition of religion and culture policies may go a long

way to foster an integrated society where persons of all faiths are welcomed. In addition, a well

implemented multicultural plan would benefit the nation security since people from different

cultural groups would support one another and work together with other religious and cultural

groups in the society.

It is necessary to underline that many immigrants are those who entered the country legally but

have not been documented for a long time and feel the same as naturalized citizens of the United

States. An inclusive immigration framework should grant such individuals a legal status and

citizenship after that as per their background and their role in the society of the United States of

America. As a result of this, the policymakers will be in a position not to trigger disturbances in

the social systems and economy that accompany deportations since this brings about major

agitation within immigrant families and other social formations.

Entering the era of diversified and more integrating immigration systems also means redesigning

the naturalization process. Governments should reformulate their polices in a manner that

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reduces the language and cultural hurdles encountered by immigrants during the naturalization

process especially those with the least command of English language. Special efforts given to

offer language interpreters and the cultural orientation are some of the ways likely to minimize

misunderstandings thus enhance effective integration. The government can encourage the

members of society to be more active in this country’s affairs by easing the process of

naturalization.

Governments should counter discriminatory practices against the religious minorities in

immigration policies by enhancing public scrutiny, effective regulation standards and awareness

about the impacts of such measures. Through encouraging the discussion of immigration issues

and policies, policy makers can arrive at well-reasoned and more reasoned immigration policies

and better appreciate the religious and cultural dynamics of immigration.

Endorsing the paradigm shift towards the improvement of the inclusiveness of immigration

systems is impossible without an understanding of the religious and cultural aspects of the

process. Strong political actions and liberal polices ensures that the religious minorities are

cherished and encouraged to participate in the development of the societies and consequently the

country. By incorporating diversity, multiculturalism, and inclusiveness to the laws on

immigration; The United States Government can make the country a better place for all its

people.

- Advocacy and legal strategies for protecting religious rights

Since immigration has to do with people of various diverse religious backgrounds, understanding

of this reality requires that it provide for all the immigrants protection regardless of the religion

they practice or the beliefs they hold. This can be attained through several operational advocacies

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and legal actions that meet the difficulties encountered by the religious immigrants. First of all,

one must admit the important function of specialized legal organizations and associations in

improving the concerned population’s awareness of religious immigrants’ rights and the

necessity of their friendly immigration policies. Such organizations must closely cooperate with

policymakers, legislators, and immigration officers to influence policies and laws that harm

religious immigrants. These advocacy groups can help create changes to more effective, just and

religious-sensitive immigration systems by offering the latest research, legal frameworks and

legal cases.

Secondly, legal approaches targeting religious rights to be defended may be displayed in form of

complaint, lawsuit or petition for aliens, who have experienced religious persecution in the

immigration process. This may help bring legal change and open the path to more socially

acceptable treatment in immigration matters. Moreover, for specific legal aid, religious

immigrants under deportation or detainment due to their beliefs or activities in religion can be

supported from legal advocacy groups. The ability to pray, wear religious clothing and/or other

personal accessories, and obtain legal permission to celebrate religious celebration, either during

deportation or while detained may also be sought by a religious prisoner.

However, it cannot be overemphasized that religious organization and communities have played

significant parts in demanding religious immigrants’ rights. Community religious institutions can

collaborate with appropriate legal aid societies to create awareness on the immigrants’ rights,

support the affected and spread the word on the laws that govern immigration. This could enable

religious immigrants to be at the forefront demanding freedom of religion and equal opportunity

in immigration. Furthermore, religious organizations can also offer immigration relevant

services; including legal, and housing, and social services that meet religious immigrants’ needs,

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so that they can manage the complexities of the immigration system and maintain their religious

affiliation.

Advocacy and legal mobilization for religious rights of immigrants are important approaches of

transitioning towards a positive change regarding immigration policies based on religion

discrimination. This paper targets to examine how communities, advocates and the government

can effectively advance the legal profession by use of laws, policy, public enlightenment and

support in order to formulate and implement effective policies and legal framework for

admission and protection of immigrant’s Religious Freedom.

- Interfaith cooperation and community-building in immigrant populations

Interfaith work and development of the multicultural communities amongst immigrants can help

to advance the process to build more liberal immigration system and adapt to religious

discrimination in the immigration policies more efficiently. The modern forced migration

involves people from different cultures and religious practices; therefore, acculturation to a new

society depends on the Development of the subject communities and the networks of immigrants.

Being able to work with people of different faiths, the immigrants not only fight for a better

environment and tolerance, but for elimination of religious prejudice inherent in most policies

regarding immigration. Through multireligious imageries, the diverse immigrant populations are

able to identify common cause and forge unity where otherwise could not due religious

differences that exist.

In addition, the interfaith engagements and multicultural associationism in immigrant

populations do play a very prominent role towards the creation of a stronger societal cohesion in

the host society. The recurrence of interactions and collaborative activities between different

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faith-based groups should therefore enhance a common feeling of belonging, thus bringing the

wider population closer together. It is such an attitude and approach which has to be employed

globally in order to remove the existing stereotypical impressions about the religious minority

and to shed off the discrimination and hostility most of the religious sects’ bear within them.

When people evolve into an ethnic and immigrant populace, these connections that are inherent

to the emerging faith communities are often vital regarding lobbying for rights as well as fighting

against policies imbued with religious prejudice.

It cannot be overemphasized that an emphasis on working together with other faith groups and

building your social networks helped diminish, resist, or counter religiously exclusivist attitudes

towards immigrants. Interfaith organizations that encourage cooperation amongst different

immigrants are more likely to fight for the rights for other religious groups in their society. When

collective, such religious voices and experiences of first-generation immigrants can counter

religious discrimination and exclusion in public policy arenas through the interfaith organizations

hence assist in developing policies that welcome immigrants from different religions. This, in

turn, results into more liberal and protective post-September 11’s immigration policies that

ensure protection of religions and its followers.

In addition, the involvement in interfaith activities and building of partnerships among these

immigrants contribute to being positive examples of coming together for the benefit of the

receiving society to the other disadvantaged groups. That integration, the presence and positive

impact of religion from people of different faiths on the culture, society and economy of the host

country show that intolerance and misunderstanding can be reduced. For this reason, these

interfaith communities have the capacity to shape the general population’s attitudes on religion

and ensure the respect of religious diversity as acceptable. Therefore, the practices and pursuit of

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interfaith cooperation and community building with and for immigrates are significant in seeking

for and forging better immigration systems and a more just society of religious bigotry and hate.

- The role of international actors and diplomacy in combating discrimination

Religious Discrimination in Immigrant Selection: In the context of developing multicultural

immigration systems, the part of IGOs and diplomacy is more considerable in removing religious

bias and discrimination in immigration policies. This relevance rests on the fact that the global

population has adopted one religious or spiritual belief or the other and these groups of people

make up part of the immigrant or refugee populations seeking asylum in other parts of the world.

Global actors – mainly the United Nations, Non-governmental organizations and interfaith

leaders and organization formations – have the capacity in delivering the following important

objectives: dialogue, tolerance and elimination of religious barriers in the immigration systems.

It, therefore, becomes advocacy that encourages the cordial relationships, understanding and

acceptance between the nations, hence eradicating the stereotype of prejudices of the religious

minorities, typically found within nations.

Due to the fact that the process of achieving an inclusive immigration system involves the

religious backgrounds in its policies, these have to be less sectarian and to incorporate

mechanisms for the eradication of prejudice towards religious minorities. Thus, international

actors could bring the required effort in form of policies and experts ‘help’ for the change to

happen both on the legislative and the practical level.

Diplomacy becomes useful in the reduction of conflict resulting from religious diversity,

something that has majorly been an issue, especially with immigration. Through establishing

cooperation between governments and the immigrant populations international actors can assist

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in rebuilding the bridges that have been burned due to xenophobia and religion. In addition,

religious leaders perform a specific mission to unite various religious associations for the

purpose of developing interfaith dialogue and thus increase social tolerance of other cultural

groups.

Furthermore, international actors as well as diplomacy are important in observing and evaluating

the fairness of implementation of immigration policies across countries as well as campaigning

for equality in implementation of such policies. These actors, using benchmarks and international

standards, are able to set up a pressure that influences the governments to change their

immigration policies to embrace religious tolerance and therefore become instrumental in the

formulation of an inclusive society.

Nevertheless, the international society must understand that this collaboration entails numerous

challenges. It is important, especially for international actors and diplomats to constantly call to

mind that even as they deal with the more abstract areas of religious and cultural analysis, the

potential for negative stereotype constructions remains firmly within their sphere of operation. In

this sense, diplomacy and international cooperation should incorporate cultural and religious

sensitivity and awareness not to aggravate such prejudice while combating it.

The shift to more open immigration policies should be based on joint actions of international

actors and diplomacy, governments and civil society. Through facing religious discrimination in

immigration policies, these actors are stepping up to break down prejudices, encourage dialogue,

and create the understanding of the primary importance of accepting and respecting cultural

differences in the society that will finally be capable of creating a safe space for everyone. There

is need to advocate for diplomacy in the face of conflicting religious beliefs, practices and

interests since it provides for the social well-being of immigrants and refugees into the nations of

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the world with horning their spiritual beliefs and practices. The nature of religious discrimination

and immigration policies keeps the role of international actors and diplomats in mind as agents

of change and improvement to the contentious and hotly-discussed area of immigration policies.

In conclusion, only the commitment to such collective endeavor will help to advance the path

towards the just immigration policy that would be as unburdened with prejudice and hatred as it

is possible, especially with respect to religion.

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