Sunday, January 25, 2009

Nebraska Faith Leaders Call for Immigration Reform

Now that there is a new administration in Washington, many people are hoping for immigration reform. DP

Reporter: 10/11 News

Nebraska faith leaders gathered in Lincoln as part of a nationwide movement aimed at encouraging meaningful immigration reform.

"Today we stand in the very heart of a nation that believes that all people even immigrants are created equally," said Rev. Dr. Chuck Bentjen of the State Policy Office of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. "That they are endowed by their creator with certain and equal rights that among these are life liberty and pursuit of happiness."

With the beginning of a new Congress, presidential administration and the Nebraska legislative session, faith leaders are calling on elected officials to end divisive local proposals and immigration raid tactics. They say those methods tear apart Nebraska families and communities.

"I don't think we can get around breaking laws but I think we have to understand that the law and the system is not necessary a just system," said Bentjen. "It not necessary a system that enables people to use it lawfully. And so it encourages people to break those laws the system itself."

Leaders from across the state representing many faiths will gather midday Thursday to call on Nebraska's federal delegation to enact rational reform and for the Nebraska Legislature to use its voice to push for federal reform.

Thursday's event follows a Washington, D.C., gathering at Immigration and Customs Enforcement headquarters.

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