Section:
advocacy
In 1996, members of the congregation voted to support a Corporate Stand on immigration. Prompted by the anti-immigrant bias and backlash in the U.S. and congress’ consideration of legislation that would severely restrict the number of and conditions for admitting immigrants seeking political asylum, this Corporate Stand is just as—if not more so—relevant today.
In April 2006 the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) national board issued a public statement calling for comprehensive immigration policy reform in the United States and press release.
What You Can Do?
Call your U.S. senators and ask for their support of comprehensive immigration reform.
Include the following points in your message
- I support the earned legalization program for the current 12 million undocumented workers in the U.S.
- I support a guest-worker program that has a path to citizenship for those workers.
- I oppose the criminalization of migrants and of those who provide them with aid.
- I oppose attempts to further militarize the border and want to see better accountability measures for federal agents working in the region.
- I support policies that create real economic opportunities for Central Americans and Mexicans in their home countries—not free trade agreements which further impoverish the middle and working class.
Presenting these views to your senators will help strengthen their resolve to support the best possible bill when it comes time to vote. For information on how to contact your senator, call the switchboard, (202) 224-3121 or visit their website at www.senate.gov
Educate yourself further on immigration reform and actions you can take.
American Friends Service Committee
Coalition for Comprehensive Immigration Reform
The Latin America Working Group
The Presbytarian Church
National Immigration Forum
Refugees International
National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights
U.S. Committee for Refugees
Learn more about other areas in which we’re working for change.
