"You shall love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt." Deut. 10:19
"Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it." Heb. 13:2

Action Alert from Church World Service

The Senate Judiciary Committee’s version of comprehensive immigration reform is now being drafted. It is referred to as the Chairman's Mark and is scheduled to be marked up for introduction on March 2nd. It will compile several comprehensive immigration bills already introduced in the Senate , as well as the extremely anti-immigrant Border Protection, Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005 (HR 4437), which passed in the House in December with the Administration's support. (Look up your Congressperson's vote on HR 4437)

This House legislation (HR 4437) emphasizes enforcement, criminalizes undocumented immigrants, and jeopardizes anyone who assists them. It could lead to criminal penalties for Good Samaritans who help undocumented immigrants in need. It is vital that this legislation NOT be part of the Senate’s comprehensive immigration reform legislation.

Action Needed:
Please email, fax, and/or call your Senators immediately or call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask for their office. Visit the CWS Speak Out website to send an email and to look up contact info.

Ask the Senators to develop legislation that will:

• Safeguard asylum seekers and assure an opportunity for claim validation.
• Legalize undocumented immigrants with a path to citizenship.
• Guarantee family unity.
• Guarantee job mobility and workers’ rights.
• Propose a program for future migration.

Thank you for taking the time to speak out on this important issue!