Remain in homelands, members counseled
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The First Presidency on Dec. 1, 1999, sent a letter addressed to General Authorities, Area Authority Seventies and other priesthood leaders regarding immigration to the United States. Following is the text of the letter.
Dear Brethren:
In our day, the Lord has seen fit to provide the blessings of the gospel, including an increased number of temples, in many parts of the world. Therefore, we wish to reiterate the long-standing counsel to members of the Church to remain in their homelands rather than immigrate to the United States.
Experience has shown that those who relocate to the United States often encounter language, cultural, and economic challenges, resulting in disappointment and personal and family difficulties.
As members throughout the world remain in their homelands, working to build the Church in their native countries, great blessings will come to them personally and to the Church collectively. Stakes and wards throughout the world will be strengthened, making it possible to share the blessings of the gospel with an even greater number of our Heavenly Father's children.
We are confident that members of the Church throughout the world will be blessed as they heed this counsel and work to strengthen their local Church units and communities.
Sincerely yours,
The First Presidency
