Dear Member of Congress, I write today to encourage you to work toward timely passage of Comprehensive Immigration Reform legislation. The current system, which relies on harsh enforcement measures, is ineffective and unjust. Long wait lists keep families separated for years and encourage efforts to circumvent the system. Workplace raids create a culture of fear and harm entire communities. Lax oversight of guest worker programs leaves a system ripe for exploitation and worker abuse. The biblical tradition says that as we welcome the stranger, we welcome Jesus himself. Instead, immigrants to the United States, whether documented or undocumented, often face a culture of unwelcome: suspicion, isolation, militarized borders, workplace raids, and visa backlogs. In order to be truly effective, immigration reform must also address the root causes of migration. Individuals are willing to risk their lives crossing the desert because the alternative – facing abject poverty or persecution in their home country – is so bleak. Ultimately, the United States must seek foreign policy solutions and trade agreements that promote economic opportunity and stability in migrants’ home countries. Until that goal is achieved, however, the following policy changes can help us welcome newcomers to the United States and honor the rule of law: 1.) Create a realistic path to citizenship for the 11 million aspiring citizens who call America home. Small details could have major consequences for millions of these aspiring citizens. We need to ensure a fair process when drafting legislation that takes into consideration who these new Americans are, and what they contribute to our country. 2.) Preserve the unity of families, traditional and nontraditional. Family unity plays a critical role in student success. Yet growing numbers of public school students live in fear that our nation’s immigration policies will break up their families, forcing them to choose between their country and their loved ones — mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers. Family-based immigration is essential to keeping America strong. 3.) Incorporate and expand the DREAM Act and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). Many of the more than 50,000 undocumented students who graduate from U.S. high schools are unable to pursue higher education simply because they are unable to afford it. Under current law, undocumented students can be denied access to in-state tuition, federal loans, and health benefits. Addressing these issues is a top priority for America’s educators. Sincerely, __________________________________ A member from the South East Region of the U.S. (Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Washing DC) Sincerely,
Posted on: Wed, 24 Jul 2013 22:14:29 +0000