âCall senators right now,â says CWS: âMake sure immigration reforms are just and humaneâ
New York, June 26, 2007--Just minutes after the U.S. Senate voted to reopen debate on the immigration bill, Church World Service has issued a call to its constituents to phone their senators asking them to support provisions the global humanitarian and refugee resettlement agency believes are key to a fair and humane policy.
âWeâre asking people to take just five minutes, right now while they can still influence their senators, to make a couple of calls that could help the millions of families in America whose lives would be affected by reforms in this countryâs immigration laws, said Joe Roberson who heads CWSâs immigration and refugee resettlement program.
After todayâs Senate vote to resume debate on the Secure Borders, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Reform Act (S. 1348), the senate will consider a series of amendments and could take final action on the bill on Friday.
âChurch World Service is especially concerned that our lawmakers in Washington support amendment provisions that embrace family unity, a safe and fair worker program, and a purposeful, rather than punitive, earned legalization program,â Roberson explained.
The agency is asking people to urge their senators to support several reform provisions, including protections of family unity; a safe and fair worker program; a purposeful, rather than punitive, earned legalization program; smart, targeted enforcement; a mandate that police ensure the safety of all, not serve as immigration officials; and safeguards for asylum seekers.
People wishing to respond to the CWS call to action can read and download the full action alert at www.churchworldservice.org. Callers can also reach their senators through the U.S. Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121.
New York-based Church World Service is one of ten agencies the State Department works with to resettle immigrants and refugees in this country.
Media Contacts
Lesley Crosson, (212) 870-2676, lcrosson@churchworldservice.org Jan Dragin - 24/7 - (781) 925-1526, jdragin@gis.net