Session Adopts Immigration Resolution

download full resolution (.pdf)

There is wide agreement that present U.S. immigration policy is seriously flawed.  The Senate Judiciary Committee is now actively considering "comprehensive" immigration reform legislation for introduction to the full Senate by about March 27, so the time is ripe for citizen input to the process.  It is in this context that the Session of Nassau Church adopted this resolution on March 16.  The legislative provisions now in play in Congress range from narrow and purely punitive -- some say draconian -- "anti-immigrant" (and anti-aid-worker, e.g., Crisis Ministry) to comprehensive and balanced packages that provide for just and humane treatment of all immigrants, documented and undocumented.  Whatever the Judiciary Committee reports to the full Senate, the floor debate will be heated; the anti-immigrant rhetoric is loud and angry.  Then, whatever the Senate finally adopts will go to a "conference committee" with the House, to be merged with purely punitive legislation already passed there.  So it is urgent that citizens of conscience make our voices heard NOW -- by telephone, FAX or through official websites (snail-mail may be too slow) to our Senators and Representatives.  They too are people of conscience, but they want our input and support.  Contrary to some opinion, their staffs assure us that our communications are effective.  (For further information, contact Bob Duncan at robtdunc@aol.com, Victoria Airgood at v.airgood@att.net or Bill Wakefield at wakeconsult@aol.com)