Can an undocumented alien join Freemasonry?

Jan 28, 2011
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Perhaps, but.............
by: Tim

Thank you for this very interesting question. Like most questions regarding Freemasonry the answer is far from simple.

There is not, so far as I can tell, anything in Masonic law that would preclude you from becoming a member of the fraternity. America was founded and built by men, many of them Freemasons, and women who were willing to violate the laws of the land for what they believed to be just, moral and honorable reasons. Morality, though, can not be legislated by law, and Masonic law does not generally endeavor to address this more important question. The question of morality is addressed by the members of the local Masonic lodge where you wish to join.

Your first task would be to request a petition for membership from a current member of the fraternity. After completing the petition you would then require the signature of two members on your petition. These two men would literally be placing their honor and reputation at stake by vouching for you as a man of honor and high moral character.

Once your petition has been signed it can be presented to the Lodge. Your petition is read aloud during a Lodge meeting and if there is no objection your petition would be received and a committee of investigation appointed. Bear in mind that any false statement on your petition is grounds for immediate disqualification, or expulsion at any time in the future.

Assuming no objections at the reading of your petition you would then meet with the committee of investigation. This committee generally consists of three members of the lodge, none of which may be those who originally signed your petition. This committee is tasked with the responsibility of assessing your character, objectives, and conformity to the customs and traditions of the fraternity.

Assuming that the committee of investigation reports favorably your petition would then be voted upon by the Lodge. Each member of the Lodge present at the meeting would be required to cast a ballot whether yea or nay.

Assuming the ballot is clear your 1st Degree, that of Entered Apprentice, can be scheduled followed by the 2nd and then the 3rd degree. At each of these degrees an announcement is made of your desire to proceed, and an opportunity given for objections to be raised.

Throughout this entire process your challenge will be to convince a body of men that your decision to reside in this Country as an undocumented alien was a moral and justifiable one. Further, you will have to convince these men that your choice to remain undocumented during the decade you have been in this Country was just and moral and responsible. In my opinion, it would be much easier to become a legalized and documented resident.

Thank you again for your question.

Fraternally,

Tim
p.s. This procedure is according to the Grand Lodge jurisdiction in which I am a member. Other jurisdictions will vary.

Can an undocumented alien join Freemasonry?

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Can an undocumented alien join Freemasonry?