Last week, Senators Schumer (D-NY), Graham (R-SC), McCain (R-AZ), Flake (R-AZ), Durbin (D-IL), Rubio (R-FL), Menendez (D-NJ), and Bennet (D-CO) introduced S.744, the "Border Security, Economic Opportunity & Immigration Modernization Act of 2013." The 844-page bill proposes a historic overhaul of our nation's immigration system and is a direct result of your tireless advocacy on behalf of immigrants and vulnerable migrants as well as the power pro-immigrant voices and immigrant communities themselves demonstrated at the polls in November.

Through your advocacy and the advocacy in Episcopalian communities across the nation, the Episcopal Church has been engaged in the ministry of welcoming immigrants and refugees for more than a century, walking with refugees and immigrants as they begin their new lives in our communities, and working to enact a just and humane immigration system. The bill we see today is an important step forward in this pursuit of justice, but our voices will be needed more than ever as the human implications of these provisions emerge and the legislative process continues.

The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori shared this sentiment in the closing line of her statement, reminding law makers that, "Episcopalians stand ready to advocate for policies that build a just and welcoming society for all God’s people."

As members of the Senate Judiciary Committee begin to examine and debate S. 744, share the Presiding Bishop's statement with your Senators today to join this important conversation.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Toolkit for visiting your Senators and Representatives, neighbor to neighbor

Join the conversation by sharing the Presiding Bishop’s message and the introduction of S. 744 via Facebook