Can an undocumented alien join Freemasonry?

I am an undocumented alien, living in this Country for a decade with no criminal record. Could I join the Freemasons?

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Jan 28, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		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.
Dec 28, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		Undocumented
by: Fred

Although this question is several years old, I feel I must provide something. On most jurisdictions the answer would probably be NO. Being an undocumented alien means you are in the country illegally, and that goes against the precepts of the fraternity. Masons conform to the laws of the jurisdiction in which they reside. Doing anything else, puts an unpleasant view upon the fraternity from those on the outside
Dec 28, 2016
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starstarstar 		Good point
by: Tim

Good point Fred. Thanks for boiling it down. :-)
Apr 21, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		Curious and confused
by: Anonymous

Of course all lodges will say NO. But here is a question, if a person is undocumented because they immigrated because they want to have a better life but cannot find an avenue to be "legal" and they came here as a Child of God with no intent to harm but to have a good future...is that not a reason? And an intention to belong?! And you all believe in one supreme being. Would the supreme being be selfish to embrace a person with good intent though the only reason of not being accepted is being illegal with reason? Does the members have to be all professionals? If life have been cruel to them would you be cruel to them too? I really just don't understand why people who believe in the Supreme Being can not make a valid decision but instead shut down or black ball a petition? Well you have to investigate right? Not all reasons are valid but that is why you investigate. Is it always only the laws of the land? Can that be second even once in a decision?
Apr 22, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		Reread
by: Fred

Good morning,
Please reread the entries that are here.
As an illegal, you are breaking immigration laws, and are therefore ineligible to be made a Freemason. Most jurisdictions run a background check and your status would undoubtedly be discovered. The fraternity can not knowingly initiate, pass, or raise a man who has violated the law. Not only does it violate the very precepts of the fraternity but, in doing so, would undermine our credibility as a fraternity. If your petition came up for a vote, I have no doubt that the vote would be negative. I'm sorry to say that the rest of your reasoning is academic, and would not be considered.
Dec 18, 2019
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starstarstarstarstar 		Undocumented
by: Chales

good evening, my question is that , suppose I don't have a green card but I have my social security and my work permit as a asylum seeker, married legally with my kids , immigration has approve my legally married but I don't have a green card yet can accept to be come a Masonic please?
Dec 18, 2019
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starstarstarstarstar 		Undocumented
by: Fred

Chales,

In the situation you described, the petitioner would be in the country legally, so the question becomes, green card status as an asylum seeker, which is a legal question best left to attorneys. Many people live in the country as "permanent resident aliens," renewing "green cards" as needed. My suggestion would be to contact your local lodge and let them contact their Grand Lodge, for a definitive answer.

Good luck


Fred :.
Feb 26, 2020
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starstarstarstarstar 		More questions
by: Costa

Hello,

I am a fellowcraft in a lodge where I saw throughout the past years some out of status aliens been voted as candidates. As the character of the lodge is for foreigners from some specific country i always had that doubt. I true believe in that, the laws we follow could not be chosen by us but, that is me. That fact really make me sad some times.

In that situation there is some kind of supreme court to rule the specificity of the situation or it is open for interpretation?
Feb 26, 2020
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starstarstarstarstar 		Hello, Costa
by: Thane

Not knowing the circumstances, I cannot comment on your description of affairs at your lodge.

As to a ‘supreme court’, no, not really. There is not a universal governing body. Each grand lodge is completely independent.

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