Activists hope to fast-track immigration reform
In the first reading from the prophet Isaiah we hear there is a hope that one day even the wolf and the lamb will live together in peace. Enemies will welcome each other in a new way. Having gone without food for 22 days to pressure leaders of the U.S. House to come together and pass . . .
In the first reading from the prophet Isaiah we hear there is a hope that one day even the wolf and the lamb will live together in peace. Enemies and rivals will welcome each other in a new way. Having gone without food for 22 days to pressure leaders of the U.S. Houseof Representatives to come together and pass a bill on the contentious issue of immigration reform, four activists have ended their fast in Washington, D.C.
“You have truly put your faith in action,” said retired Washington Roman Catholic Archbishop Theodore McCarrick, one of a number of political and church dignitaries who came to the National Mall on Wednesday to praise those who have gone without food. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama spoke with the activists earlier in the month.
Now the “Fast for Families” campaign, organized by a broad coalition of labor, immigrant, and Christian groups, enters a new phase as the original group of fasters begins to recover from the physical ordeal and a larger group takes up the cause.
Immigration reform stalled in the House this summer and House Speaker John Boehner has refused to put the issue on the body’s schedule this year. That has worried many who fear that action is less likely next year as lawmakers set their sights on midterm elections.
During his discussion with the fasters Obama said that he believes Congress will eventually change the system to allow immigrants in the country without proper papers to live and work legally. In June the Senate passed an immigration bill that would increase spending by more than $30 billion for border security and allow most of the estimated 11 million people in the country illegally to pay a fine, submit to background checks, and eventually become citizens.
Homily hint: Concern for immigrants and other people on the move has long been a concern of church in the United States. Read the statement of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops on comprehensive immigration reform.
“You have truly put your faith in action,” said retired Washington Roman Catholic Archbishop Theodore McCarrick, one of a number of political and church dignitaries who came to the National Mall on Wednesday to praise those who have gone without food. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama spoke with the activists earlier in the month.
Now the “Fast for Families” campaign, organized by a broad coalition of labor, immigrant, and Christian groups, enters a new phase as the original group of fasters begins to recover from the physical ordeal and a larger group takes up the cause.
Immigration reform stalled in the House this summer and House Speaker John Boehner has refused to put the issue on the body’s schedule this year. That has worried many who fear that action is less likely next year as lawmakers set their sights on midterm elections.
During his discussion with the fasters Obama said that he believes Congress will eventually change the system to allow immigrants in the country without proper papers to live and work legally. In June the Senate passed an immigration bill that would increase spending by more than $30 billion for border security and allow most of the estimated 11 million people in the country illegally to pay a fine, submit to background checks, and eventually become citizens.
Homily hint: Concern for immigrants and other people on the move has long been a concern of church in the United States. Read the statement of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops on comprehensive immigration reform.
Sources: Articles by Lauren Markoe for Religion News Service and Brian Bennett for the Tribune Newspapers.