For Immediate Release
Contact: Tim King, 202-745-4636

Sojourners Applauds Introduction of Comprehensive Immigration Reform in United States Senate

WASHINGTON, DC – October 18, 2010 – Just before the congressional recess, Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) introduced comprehensive immigration reform legislation in the United States Senate. The following is a statement from Rev. Jennifer Kottler, director of policy and advocacy at Sojourners:

“In accordance with our principles as Christians in support of immigration reform, we affirm the key principles contained within the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act (S. 3932) introduced by Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT). This bill addresses the complex issue of immigration reform in a truly comprehensive and holistic manner. Our Christian faith teaches us that there is an undeniable responsibility to love and show compassion for the stranger among us, and this legislation reflects that moral directive.

“We are committed to seeing an immigration bill that respects the dignity of people, protects workers, keeps families together, and provides for humane immigration enforcement practices. We are pleased to see special provisions for students, farm workers, and families in the bill, as well as significant reforms to immigrant detention practices. We also affirm family unity as the cornerstone of U. S. immigration policy and would not support overly punitive border enforcement measures that conflict with humanitarian values and could possibly delay implementation of a legalization program.

“The faith community will continue to play a critical role in bringing lawmakers, advocates, immigrants, and people of faith to the table as details are discussed and debated. We look forward to working with Congress in the coming months on this issue, which is at the very heart of our Christian conviction.”

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Sojourners’ mission is to articulate the biblical call to social justice, inspiring hope and building a movement to transform individuals, communities, the church, and the world.

To read the Joint Statement of Principles of Christians for Comprehensive Immigration Reform, visit www.faithandimmigration.org/content/about-ccir