FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 15, 2021
Contact: Mayra Castro | 562-841-4377 | mcastro@faithinaction.org
Heather Cabral | 202-550-6880 | hcabral@faithinaction.org
Clergy Led More than 200 Immigrant Advocates in Immigrant Justice Walk on Capitol Hill
WASHINGTON – Yesterday, local and national Faith in Action organizers and clergy led advocacy visits with 15 Congressional offices and birddogging efforts on Capitol Hill successfully talking to members of Congress. Faith leaders were joined in the afternoon by more than 200 immigrant justice advocates in a walk for liberation urging the Senate to include immigrants in the Build Back Better Act.
The walk for liberation culminated in a speaking program in which clergy and faith leaders urged the Senate to include a pathway to citizenship in the Build Back Better Act.
“I see so many other immigrants across this country who have been keeping the United States running during the pandemic,” said Shey Jaboin, a leader with Essex County Community Organization (ECCO). “And they still can’t get any basic citizenship rights.”
“It is important for me to be in Washington, DC representing thousands of single mothers, like myself, who await a pathway to citizenship.” said Lucero, a leader of Faith in Action Bay Area. “Allowing us to find better jobs, live a life without fear and the possibility to see our families in our birth countries.”
“We are marching, shouting, singing, and walking for the liberation of our immigrant brothers and sisters who are prevented from accessing the opportunities to a new life. And the reality is that no one is free until all of us are free,” said Pastor Brian Gibbs, Faith in New York.
“For people of faith, no matter where someone came from or how they arrived in the United States, their life is inherently holy and valuable, and they should be treated with dignity and respect,” said Bishop Leila Ortiz, Metropolitan Washington, DC Synod.
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Faith in Action is the largest grassroots, faith-based organizing network in the United States. The nonpartisan organization works with 1,000 religious congregations in more than 200 cities and towns through its 46 local and state federations. For more information, visit www.faithinaction.org.
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