I’m excited that Redefining Welcome’s coverage of the immigration reform movement offers such diverse perspectives. Here’s a round-up of our top 15 most-read conversations with leaders who are on the front lines. We’re grateful for their willingness to share their knowledge.
If you’re moved by these interviews, join the fight for fair immigration reform that will keep families together! You can learn the latest about immigration reform legislation or take action by speaking out to Congress.
1) Immigration Detention: Jessica Colotl Recounts Her Fight for Justice
When Kennesaw State Senior Jessica Colotl got into her car on March 29, 2010, the idea that she would spark a fierce debate on the American immigration system probably never crossed her mind.
2) Immigration Detention: Christina Mansfield Speaks Out on Our Broken System
Why must detention reform “be a critical part of comprehensive immigration reform”? This interview presents the thoughts of Christina Mansfield, co-founder of Detention Dialogues, the first detention visitation program in California, co-founder and co-Executive Director of CIVIC (Community Initiatives for Visiting Immigrants in Confinement), and member of the steering committee of the Detention Watch Network.
3) Immigration Reform 2013: Rev. Wilker Stands for Welcome in the Shadow of Capitol Hill
Rev. Michael Wilker, Senior Pastor at Lutheran Church of the Reformation in Washington, D.C., talks about what it’s like to advocate for immigration reform when your church is just down the street from Congress.
4) Immigration Reform 2013: Andrea Martinez Discusses Forging Unity in Texas
Andrea Martinez, Communications Coordinator for the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in Houston, analyzes the immigration reform movement in the Lone Star state.
5) ‘We are Going to Pass S.744′ Says Lynn Tramonte, Deputy Director of America’s Voice — National Action Alert
Lynn Tramonte, Deputy Director of America’s Voice, discusses her organization’s work in the forefront of the movement for comprehensive immigration reform
6) Indiana Pastor Joshua Burkholder Urges Hoosiers to ‘Stand up, Engage, and Let Your Voices Be Heard’ — State Action Alert
Pastor Joshua Burkholder of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Lafayette, Indiana, shares his observations about the need for immigration reform activism in his state.
7) SC Pastor Mark Cerniglia: Faith Compels Us to Have Compassion for Newcomers — State Action Alert
Pastor Mark Cerniglia, Senior Pastor at Lutheran Church of Our Savior in Greenville, South Carolina, talks faith and immigration reform.
8) Arkansas Pastor Clint Schnekloth Reflects on How to ‘Lead with Love’ for Immigrants — State Action Alert
Pastor Clint Schnekloth of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Fayetteville, Arkansas, reflects on his experiences abroad and how they nurtured his unswerving commitment to welcoming the stranger in our midst.
9) Immigration Detention: Rev. John Gutterman Lives Out Faith Through ‘Conversations with Friends’
Rev. John Guttermann, Covenant Minister at United Church in Christ in New Brighton, Lead at Conversations with Friends, and Advocacy Lead for the Interfaith Coalition on Immigration, MN, talks about the need for immigration reform through the detention lens.
10) ‘Growing’ Montana Momentum for Reform, Says Amy Aguirre of Angela’s Piazza — State Action Alert
Amy Aguirre, Assistant Director of the faith-based center for vulnerable women Angela’s Piazza, maps out Montana’s movement for immigration reform.
Ted Goins, President and CEO of Lutheran Services Carolinas, talks about the important services his organization provides to migrants, and the values in which that service is rooted.
12) ‘Migration is a Human Right,’ Says Stephanie Kolmar of American Gateways — State Action Alert
Stephanie Kolmar, Staff Attorney at the Austin-headquartered organization American Gateways, offers her perspective on human migration and its human rights implications.
Blair Ward, Community Organizer for the Montana Organizing Project, discusses family unity and immigration reform in his state.
Rev. Angie Wright, a member of the Alabama Coalition for Immigrant Justice steering committee, shares letters from school children to Alabama Governor Robert Bentley, and talks about how America can learn from her state.
15) Journalist Amy Bracken Investigates Claims of Abuse at the Border — National Action Alert
Amy Bracken, Immigration Journalism Fellow with the French-American Foundation, investigates what migrants face at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Image credit: Lolaire