Controversial Anti-Immigrant Bill Prompts Massive Rally on Capitol Hill
For more information, contact: Janis D. Shields, Director Media and Public Relations, (215) 241-7060 AFTER HOURS 302-545-6569; Peta Ikambana, (202) 299-1050, or (267) 808-9716 (cell)
Washington, DC - March 6 - As the debate heats up in our Nation's Capitol, faith leaders join immigrant rights supporters from across the United States and make an unprecedented visit to Washington, D.C. to highlight opposition to HR 4437 - a controversial anti-immigrant bill that, if approved, would permit the government to prosecute almost anyone who has regular contact with an undocumented person, including their families and organizations that advocate on their behalf. The proposed legislation would also make way for a 700-mile border fence to be built between the U.S. and México.
"If passed, HR 4437 is likely to drive undocumented immigrants further underground and increase their vulnerability to exploitation by broadening the definition of alien smuggling to include family members, employers, and immigrant advocates," states Joyce Miller, American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) assistant general secretary for justice and human rights.
"The provisions of HR 4437 amount to a basic assault on civil liberties," states Esther Nieves, director of Project Voice, the American Friends Service Committee's initiative that works to protect human rights and strengthen the impact of immigrant-led organizations on national policy. "The bill ignores fundamental legal principles and the constitutional guarantee of due process."
Tuesday, March 7
1:30 p.m. Press conference United Methodist Building (100 Maryland Ave. NE, Conference Room 3) 4 - 6 p.m. Rally and Interfaith Service Capitol Hill West Lawn (corners of Constitution Avenue and First)
Jewish, Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, Muslim and other faith leaders call for a fair and just immigration policy, complete with comprehensive immigration reform. Other speakers include: Kwesi Mfume, former NAACP President Cecilia Munoz, Vice-President, National Council of La Raza
Sponsored by the National Capital Immigration Coalition, the Border Community Alliance for Human Rights and the American Friends Service Committee. For more information, contact: Janis D. Shields, Director of Media and Public Relations, (215) 241-7060 AFTER HOURS: (302) 545-6596; or Peta Ikambana, AFSC Washington D.C. Peace and Economic Justice Program (202) 299-1050, or (267) 808-9716 (cell).
The National Capital Immigration Coalition consists of 45 faith, labor, business and community based organizations from Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC.
Internationally recognized for its humanitarian work during World Wars I and II, the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) is a social justice organization that, along with the British Friends Service Council, won the Nobel Peace Prize for efforts on behalf of Quakers worldwide.
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The American Friends Service Committee is a Quaker organization that includes people of various faiths who are committed to social justice, peace and humanitarian service. Its work is based on the belief in the worth of every person and faith in the power of love to overcome violence and injustice.