A children’s rendition of Springsteen’s ‘Born in the USA’ filled the air of Lafayette Square in Washington D.C. on Wednesday afternoon as U.S. citizens of undocumented parents gathered to urge President Obama to "keep his promise" regarding immigration reform. Congressman Luis Gutierrez joined faith leaders, families, and advocacy organizations from across America to give the children a chance to tell how their lives are affected by the failed immigration system.

Emma, 10, told how it felt to watch 15 men with guns enter her home and take her mother. Britsy’s mother had gone through the correct process to become legal, but errors had been made in her paperwork and now she was being deported. With tears in her eyes, Britsy, 9, spoke of her fear of the foster care system and the struggle of her 19-year-old brother to now provide for the family. The need for immigration reform is not merely a political issue but one that touches the lives of many. Below are just a few of the faces adversely affected by this broken system.

+ CCIR: Sign up for “On the Move” on August 12, a webinar with Rev. David Vasquez on immigration stories and ministry.