Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

STATE HOUSE -- A group of faith-based community organizers today announced that Rhode Island will be the launching point Friday of a 16-city "National Family Unity Campaign" to raise awareness about what they called "the crisis of our broken immigration system," and how that divides families whose members include both citizens and illegal immigrants.

Congressman Luis V. Gutierrez, D-Il., will host the start of this campaign -- led by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus -- at 6 p.m. at the Trinity Methodist Church at 393 Broad St. in Providence. The public is invited.

Several families divided by recent immigration raids and deportation actions will speak, and volunteers will collect additional testimony, all of which will be delivered to President Obama.

At a news conference this morning, church and community activists called for comprehensive immigration reform, and a moratorium on immigration raids and deportations.

"Our approach to immigration has created a humanitarian crisis of huge proportions," said the Rev. Rick Kremer of the Gloria Dei Step-Up Center in Providence. He added, "The fundamental question that really should be asked, is 'What about the families?'"

Organizers said a Rhode Island delegation will deliver testimony collected here to Congressman Gutierrez in Washington on April 30th, marking the end of President Obama's first 100 days in office. They said organizers from other cities -- including Atlanta, Albuquerque, San Francisco, Chicago and Philadelphia -- will do the same, and Gutierrez will deliver those testimonies to the president.

 Tags  immigration Providence RI State House

Comments

JD said:

It is not "Our approach to immigration has created a humanitarian crisis of huge proportions", it is people coming here illegaly that has created the problem. If you don't come here illegaly then you will not be arrested in an immigration raid or deported. I love how these people want us to belive that the law is the problem not the people breaking it.

Link | February 25, 2009 3:16 PM
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jay said:

I agree the system is broken. Anyone who has come here illegally should leave or be deported immediately. Also, the anchor baby law should be re-defined to discourage illegal immigration and the children born under those circumstances should not be granted citizenship.

So it's great to see faith based community groups finally getting together to address this.

Link | February 25, 2009 4:03 PM
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Buzzm1 said:

Ask your city/county Law Enforcement to join the "Secure Communities" program!

Use the ICE immigration database http://tinyurl.com/ceep3o

Link | February 26, 2009 12:21 AM
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Wanda G.B. said:

Everything you need to know about immigration and what to do about it humorously told.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBw1nUlf38I

NumbersUSA is the hero.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7WJeqxuOfQ

Link | February 26, 2009 11:45 AM
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