Our History

Our History

Origins and founding:
IMIrJ was founded in 2006 as an interfaith coalition of faith leaders, congregations, and people of conscience in Oregon responding to the growing need to support immigrants facing unfair immigration policies and enforcement. It grew out of earlier faith-based immigrant justice efforts in the Portland area and was originally known in some local contexts as part of the Oregon New Sanctuary Movement.

Evolution and early work:
In its early years, IMIrJ mobilized congregations across Oregon—initially more heavily Christian but increasingly including Jewish, Buddhist, Sikh, Muslim, and other faith communities—to take public action for immigrant rights. One of the issues that galvanized local faith communities into action was large immigration raids (such as a 2007 raid in North Portland) that highlighted the vulnerability of immigrant workers and families.

Growth of programs and organizing:
Over time IMIrJ developed core programs that became defining features of its work: accompaniment (training volunteers to support and attend immigration proceedings with individuals), mutual aid and material support, policy advocacy, and sacred organizing rooted in faith-based ethics.

Response to national political shifts:
After the political shifts in the U.S. beginning around 2016, interest in sanctuary and immigrant justice grew substantially. IMIrJ helped congregations develop local sanctuary cohorts and deepened organizing to support immigrant communities, build collective power, and resist hostile immigration policies through coordinated action across the state.

Expansion and statewide networks:
Today, IMIrJ works with over 140 faith communities throughout Oregon and continues to build interfaith relationships and community partnerships focused on dignity, justice, and inclusion for immigrants, migrants, and asylum seekers.

Current work and institutional presence:
In recent years, IMIrJ expanded its services with initiatives such as the Welcome Center to support newcomers with resources and integration assistance. It also engages in legal and policy advocacy on issues affecting immigrant rights, including sanctuary protections and enforcing state laws that limit local collaboration with federal immigration enforcement.

In summary, IMIrJ began as a faith-based immigrant justice coalition in Oregon in 2006, evolved through grassroots support and interfaith organizing, built direct support programs like accompaniment and mutual aid, expanded across the state, and continues to advocate for immigrant rights at community and policy levels.

Our Allies

IMIrJ is part of a vibrant network of groups working for immigrant justice across Oregon and the Northwest region.

Partners

Supporters