I’m happy to start this week with a powerful op-ed supporting fair immigration reform. The Wichita Eagle on Sunday brought this perspective to Kansans, thanks to the pen of Bishop Gerald Mansholt.
In his July 21 piece, “‘Get Behind Fair, Humane Immigration Reform,” the bishop writes:
Like many other bishops in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, I am regularly reminded of the urgent need for fair and humane immigration reform. From Wichita congregations all the way to our business districts, I hear and see how our badly broken immigration system is holding everyone back.
It’s increasingly clear that this system’s long-overdue reform is a win-win situation. Everyone will benefit, from firms and families to our neighborhoods and churches.
We are a country that values the worth and dignity of every individual. We fly flags on the Fourth of July because of our heritage that lifts up the freedom and value of every person. But judging from conversations with other bishops and faith leaders around America, it’s clear how much those values are at odds with our current immigration system.
The bishop, who serves the Central States Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, further writes:
In a concrete sense, immigration reform will help those who walk and work in the shadows of Wichita to come into the full light of citizenship and contribute to the richness of our neighborhoods. Wichita residents have an important stake in promoting immigration reform, because it promises to stimulate our economy through new revenue streams and markets. It’s no surprise that business leaders recognize that immigrants bring needed skills in all sectors of the labor market. Indeed, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has found that immigrants create jobs and boost the economy.
It’s well worth reading the entire piece by clicking the link in the headline above. Please show your support for Bishop Mansholt by leaving a positive comment, promoting the piece through Facebook and other social media, and sending the link to your friends, colleagues, and family.
We’re now facing a tough, uphill struggle to move fair and compassionate immigration reform through the House of Representatives. In this approaching showdown, it’s critically important that Americans hear the voices of people like Bishop Mansholt. We’re very thankful to him not only for writing this piece, but also for his long and courageous leadership on immigration and refugee issues. We’re also grateful to the Wichita Eagle for publishing his op-ed.
You can raise your own voice for fair immigration reform through the LIRS Action Center. Thank you!