February 2013: The Time is Now: Compassionate Immigration Reform In Our Lifetime

Dear Friends,

For the last year, UUs around the country have been building beloved community in our neighborhoods, witnessing for immigration reform, and acting in partnership with our immigrant neighbors.  At our Justice GA in Phoenix, thousands of us stood in solidarity with immigrants and their families who have been impacted by harsh, anti-immigrant laws.  While that was a momentous event, our journey toward justice didn't end there.  Now, we continue this important ministry and continue on the road from Phoenix.

We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to enact Comprehensive Immigration Reform (CIR) that is compassionate in addition to being comprehensive, but to do so, faith communities around the country need to lift their voices now.  The last time immigration policy was significantly reformed was in 1987—25  years ago.  If we don’t bring our concerns to the table now, it could be another 25 years. The time to act is now. 

The UUA, as part of the Interfaith Immigration Coalition, is launching a campaign of “Neighbor-to-Neighbor” lobbying visits to Congresspeople from March 25th through April 5th. Your members of Congress will be in their home offices for a “state work period” during this time, so call now to make an appointment to meet with them ASAP! The first 50 congregations to sign-up will receive a packet of Standing on the Side of Love goodies to support their work!

It’s easy to make an appointment to speak with your legislators, and a small group can bring the thoughts and comments of a community that will have a real impact!  Please take action to ensure that CIR reflects our shared values: love knows no borders, love keeps families together, and love honors dignity and respect of all human beings.

Click here for a four step guide to doing an in-district lobby visit.

In faith and hope,  

Audra, Craig, Jennifer, Jessica, Meredith, Susan, and Taquiena UUA Witness Ministries staff

See www.uua.org/immigration for resources, organizing campaigns, stories, policy info and more!