For Current Issues- Civil Rights of Immigrants

Immigration
by
Carol Juen

United Congregations of Metro-East has been working to reform the immigration laws and policies of this country in collaboration with the CRI (Civil Rights of Immigrants) Task Force of the Gamaliel Foundation. The Gamaliel Faith & Democracy Platform states:

The current immigration policies represent a force promoting division and fear. They leave millions of workers in the shadows, vulnerable to abuse because they lack documentation, and unable to fully participate in a country they have helped to build. We will work for a comprehensive approach that provides work permits and a path to citizenship for those here and contributing, expanded family and work visas, and smart enforcement.

UCM joined other affiliates in a campaign to hold prayer vigils around the country at Congressional offices in local districts. The vigils followed the introduction of legislation on Dec. 15th, 2009 by Congressman Luis Gutierrez (D-IL), the Comprehensive Immigration Reform for America’s security and Prosperity Act of 2009 (CIR ASAP). UCM held weekly prayer vigils at the local offices of Rep. Jerry Costello in Belleville and Granite City during January, February and March. Vigils were held weekly at Rep. John Shimkus office in Collinsville during April. The vigils were designed to give a peaceful and faith-filled witness to the need for immigrant justice and to counter the disrespectful messages being put forth by some anti-immigrant forces. Over the course of the vigils representatives were present from the member congregations of UCM including the Catholic, United Church of Christ, Methodist, and Presbyterian faith traditions.