GATHER AT JOHN STREET UMC AT 1:30!!!!

 

New York Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church

Rev. Joseph Ewoodzie

Conference Mission Coordinator

 

COME AND JOIN

BISHOP JEREMIAH PARK

IN THE MARCH FOR

COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM

 

In response to the call by The General Board of Church and Society and the General Commission on Religion and Race to all clergy of the United Methodist Church to join the movement Bishop Jeremiah Park is inviting all Clergy and Laity to join in the march.

 

 

GATHERING PLACE:  John Street United Methodist Church (44 John Street)

We will first gather at this historic and holy place BEFORE we walk to the City Hall

Directions: Subway: The closest subway stations are Broadway/Nassau (A & C lines) or Fulton Street (2,3,4,&5 lines).

Bus service: take Bus #15 to John Street or Bus #6 to Fulton Street

 

TIME FOR GATHERING:  1:30 p.m.

            Gather for prayer, songs, sharing, inspiration, and unity.

 

WHAT TO WEAR: Something White to represent PEACE

 

STOP H.R. 4437!

 

 

 

A Spiritual Mandate

Because we have a blessed opportunity to stand in solidarity with our neighbors and friends and to affirm a fundamental Christian value of hospitality - welcome the stranger (cf. Matthew 25:35), for "what you do to the least of my brethren, you do unto me (Matthew 25:40)."

 

An Ethical Responsibility

            We are marching for Peace and Justice for our neighbors.

 

HERE ARE THE FACTS:

 

We are joining with the millions of US citizens and numerous grassroots’ organizations; including labor unions, immigration advocate groups and faith base organizations that are continuing the quest for comprehensive immigration reform.  

 

We are putting our faith in action in seeking for a comprehensive immigration reform that includes values such as:

·         An earned path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants

·         Reunify families separated through migration

·         Protect workers’ rights

·         Ensure intelligent order security

 

HERE IS THE GOOD NEWS:

 

      The good news is seen in the legislation that came out of the Senate Judiciary Committee.  The bill the committee is presenting to the full Senate

 

• Exempts Good Samaritan work from the definition of alien smuggling.
•  Creates a temporary worker program for future flow (Workers will be allowed to work up to 6 years in the U.S. and will be able to apply for permanent status after 4 years of work)  McCain-Kennedy provision
• Creates an earned legalization program for 10-12 million immigrants currently living and working in the U.S. (Workers may register in a temporary worker program lasting 6 years and may apply for permanent status after 6 years)  McCain-Kennedy provision
•  Grants permanent residence to college-bound students (DREAM Act) Create a special program to enable immigrant workers to fill agricultural work (AgJobs)

 

THE TOUGH ROAD AHEAD THAT WE MUST OVERCOME

Many attempts to offer harsh amendments to the bill were defeated.

However, there are still many problematic issues such as:

 

* Expansion of aggravated felonies

* Indefinite detention (reversal of Zadvydas)

* Increased penalties for many immigration violations

* Increased penalty for failure to report address changes

* Increasing local enforcement of immigration law

 

 

WHAT SHOULD WE DO NOW?

 

JOIN THE MARCH ON MONDAY APRIL 10 at City Hall in New York City

 

1) Call and thank all the good senators on the committee now:

Democrats:  Kennedy, Leahy, Biden, Kohl, Feinstein, Feingold, Schumer,

Durbin   (888) 355-3588

2) Call and thank the Republican senators on the committee:  Specter,

Dewine, Brownback, Graham   (888) 355-3588

3) Call your senators and tell them how important it is for them to take

a firm stand and do it right by voting for comprehensive immigration

reform.   (888) 355-3588  or the local numbers