(Patchogue, N.Y.) A diverse group of Long Island faith leaders joined with local business and labor leaders Thursday to urge the House of Representatives to pass an immigration bill that includes a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, keeps immigrant families together, and meets the needs of business while protecting American and immigrant workers.
Leaders of Jewish, Christian and Muslim communities from across Long Island gathered at the Congregational Church of Patchogue to explain their interlocking commitment to passing immigration reform this year. Although these faith leaders differ with respect to many religious beliefs and practices, they were united by their belief in the God-given dignity of all human beings, their obligation to welcome and honor the strangers among us, and the Golden Rule that we must treat others as we ourselves wish to be treated.
Dozens of community members in attendance also heard from business and labor leaders, who talked about how their interests dovetailed on the issue of immigration reform – creating a healthy, vibrant economy that provides good jobs and protections for native-born and immigrant workers alike.
Participants were gratified to hear statements of support from their local Congressional members as well.
“I am appreciative of the warm welcome from my constituents, many of whom care deeply about immigration reform,” said Rep. Peter King (R-NY). “Our country needs common-sense immigration reform to fix our broken immigration system. A complex problem requires a comprehensive solution, including strong border security and a path to citizenship.”
“Comprehensive Immigration Reform is critical for our security and our economy, and it is also the right thing to do to bring millions of undocumented immigrants out of the shadows so they can pay taxes, work legally, and fully contribute to our society,” said Rep. Timothy Bishop (D-NY). “I voted for the DREAM Act as an important first step, but this complex problem can only be solved by comprehensive reform comprising a path to earned legal status for undocumented immigrants already in the U.S., a streamlined and modernized legal immigration system, an effective system for employers to verify their employee’s legal status, and a more secure border.”
“Faith, business and labor leaders have come together today to call on the House of Representatives to pass just and humane comprehensive immigration reform that includes a path to citizenship for the 11 million undocumented immigrants,” said Dr. Diane Steinman, Director of the NYS Interfaith Network for Immigration Reform. “The lives of our immigrant brothers and sisters, our economic future, the future of our democracy and the moral character of our nation hang in the balance.”
“The American Jewish Committee recognizes the urgent need to reform the U.S. immigration system so as to maximize its benefits for the nation,” said Michael S. Ettinger, president of AJC Long Island. “By working to reform immigration policies, we help ensure a prosperous, diverse and secure America for all.”
“The future of America, including Long Island, depends on just and humane comprehensive immigration reform that ensures a thriving economic future for all and at the same time honoring the values that unite Americans from all faith traditions. Comprehensive
“Today we can see the diversity and depth of this community’s support for commonsense immigration reform that provides a path to citizenship and keeps families united. If leaders of so many faiths, as well as business and labor leaders, can find common ground on this issue, surely Congress can find a way to pass a bill that will bring 11 million people out of the shadows,” said Kyle Bragg, secretary-treasurer of 32Bj SEIU.
Faith community speakers at the event included:
- Michael Ettinger, president, American Jewish Committee Long Island Region;
- Imam Muhammed Abdul Jabbar of the Muslim Center of Long Island;
- Rabbi Joel Levinson of Temple Beth-El in Patchogue;
- Fr. John Sureau, Associate Pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church and chair of the Rockville Centre Diocesan Public Policy Advisory Committee;
- Pastor Carlos Vargas, President, LI Hispanic Pastoral Association and Head Pastor, Freeport Bible Center; and
- Rev. Dwight Wolter, Congregational Church of Patchogue.
Among the business community speakers was:
- David Kennedy, executive director of the Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce.
They were joined by labor speakers
- Kyle Bragg, Secretary Treasurer, 32BJ SEIU and
- Gemma de Leon, Executive Vice President, Local 1102 RWDSU UFCW.
The event was sponsored by Long Island Wins, New York State Interfaith Network for Immigration Reform, American Jewish Committee Long Island region, and 32BJ SEIU.
