[Peace] Immigration Law

[Karen Medina]

A few of you may know that I have a deep concern for the 
treatment of migrant workers. The immigration laws are an 
important topic being discussed in Congress right now. I 
encourage you to learn about the issues involved, and if you 
are so moved, to support the Secure America and Orderly 
Immigration Act sponsored by Senator John McCain and Senator 
Ted Kennedy.

-karen medina

>Where Things Stand on Immigration
>
>As the immigration debate continues to heat up, there is a 
great need for those of us who are in favor of wise and 
compassionate immigration reform to speak out and speak 
often. I have been told that those advocating for ideas such 
as criminalizing immigrants and those who serve them, 
deportation, and building walls and fences are making 
hundreds of calls to Senate offices almost daily. It is time 
for those of us who favor compassion in our immigration 
policies to be heard!
>
>This week the Senate Judiciary Committee is putting together 
a bill on immigration that will be put to the floor of the 
Senate later this month. The real fear is that this bill will 
be enforcement-only rather than comprehensive in nature. 
>
>The values that are fighting for to be included in this 
final bill consist of:
>
>	Providing a path to citizenship for undocumented 
workers, allowing immigrants who want to work an opportunity 
to contribute to our society and provide for their families
>	Ending the marginalization and criminalization of the 
undocumented so that those who have been "living in the 
shadows" can live openly in our society
>	Reuniting families who have been separated through 
immigration
>	Protecting the rights of workers from exploitation
>	Ensuring smart law enforcement at the borders to cut 
down on illegal smuggling and the exploitation of those who 
wish to cross.

Several immigration reform coalitions are focusing phone 
calls to Senator Specter (R-PA), who as the Chairman of the 
Senate Judiciary Committee, has a great deal of influence in 
the final status of the bill which will be offered to the 
Senate. Making these phone calls to your Senators and to 
Senator Specter is of greatest importance right now.
>
>Because this is such a complex issue, feel free to utilize 
the script below, in part or full.
>
>	Hi, my name is [YOUR NAME], and I am calling from 
[TOWN] about immigration legislation that is being considered 
by the Senate
>	I am calling today to ask that [NAME OF YOUR SENATOR] 
supports immigration reform that is comprehensive.
>	Enforcement-only will not solve our immigration 
problems.
>	Comprehensive legislation must include a path to 
citizenship for the undocumented, protection of undocumented 
workers' rights, and reuniting families separated through 
immigration.
>	I believe that the Secure America and Orderly 
Immigration Act, sponsored by Senator John McCain and Senator 
Ted Kennedy, is the best solution to fix our broken 
immigration system.
>	I will be watching the Senator's position and vote on 
this bill.
>	Thank you.

This was put out by:
>The General Board of Church and Society
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>Washington, DC 20002	202-488-5600
>FAX 202-488-5699

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