Advocacy Update
June 2005

Comprehensive Immigration Reform: Upholding the Human Rights of Migrants and Refugees
By Bernadette Passade Cissé, LIRS Vice President for Policy and Advocacy

Over the past few months we and our partners have noticed that our nation is poised to embark on a new national debate on immigration reform, but those working in churches, at the borders, and in community organizations have been speaking to LIRS for years about challenges migrants face to live in dignity. People who migrate to the United States come for family, work and freedom—to unite with loved ones, to take up employment or to seek refuge from persecution. We hear time and again from pastors and local immigration service partners of hard working immigrants—especially in the agriculture, construction and hospitality industries—who are providing vital skills and services, services needed by our communities. They are honest, hardworking people who care for our parents and children, clean our offices, and harvest our food.

Despite their vital contributions, they often find themselves forced to work without fair wages, safe conditions or security, and to live in inhumane conditions. There are at least 8 million people working here now without legal papers. Each year 300,000 more join them.
We know also of the challenges for those in the United States with valid documents. For example, the immigrants and refugees may wait up to 20 years for family members in some categories to receive visas through the family visa system.

LIRS looks forward to working with the administration and Congress to continue the work of crafting meaningful immigration reform that

• unites families,
• ensures human rights and workers’ rights,
• allows those working below the radar to live freely and openly in our society, and
• gives immigrants willing to contribute to our economy and society a path toward citizenship in the United States.

Our experience with churches and service providers throughout this country has confirmed that these four principles are vital as we work together to meet both the needs of the migrants and the communities in which they live and work. We know that the work needed to reflect these principles in our country’s policies and laws must be carried out not only at the national level, but in close collaboration with you—our local partners.

So far in 2005, LIRS has organized two trips to the U.S.-Mexico border, one in collaboration with U.S. border patrol officials and Arizona service providers, and the other with Lutheran church members in California. These trips reflect our dialogue with our partners to ensure that our contribution to our national laws and policies in this area are grounded in our shared experiences and ministry. Keep reading FYI for updates on how you can contribute to immigration reform that is grounded in human rights.

As the June/July issue of FYI was going to press, the Secure America and Orderly Immigration Act of 2005 was introduced in the Senate and House of Representatives. Read an LIRS news release about this new legislation.

Read past Advocacy/Washington Updates.