Immigration activists begin hunger fast to demand legalization

Protesting and getting arrested for civil disobedience wasn’t enough to move the needle on immigration, so activists announced Tuesday they are beginning a hunger fast to try to pressure Congress to pass a bill legalizing illegal immigrants.

Saying they’ve done all they can to try to shift the political debate, the activists said the only option left is to pray and fast.

By Stephen Dinan
The Washington Times
Tuesday, November 12, 2013

“It is being blocked, and the political commentators will tell you it would be a miracle — that’s what they say — a miracle for immigration reform to pass. Sometimes you can organize and struggle and march as hard as you can, and sometimes all you can do is pray for a miracle,” said the Rev. Jim Wallis, president of Sojourners, an evangelical group pushing for legalization.

The activists have set up a prayer tent on the National Mall where they will be conducting their vigil and fast.

All sides are waiting to see whether Congress takes any action in the final weeks of this year on immigration.

The Senate passed a broad bill legalizing illegal immigrants and revamping the immigration system earlier this year, but it is considered dead in the House. Instead, House Republicans have been working on a series of bills to tackle the issue piece-by-piece.

Late last week, however, House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy, California Republican, told activists there wasn’t enough time left in the calendar for the House to act on immigration, according to an Associated Press report.

Immigration activists, though, have vowed to redouble their efforts.

Children whose parents have been deported will come to Washington this week to push for an immigration bill, while next week young illegal immigrants plan to personally lobby members of Congress to approve a new round of legalization.

Activists are also demanding meetings with their elected representatives back home.
“What will ultimately get immigration reform over the finish line is outside pressure, not insider conventional wisdom,” said Frank Sharry, executive director of America’s Voice. “We are growing stronger as a movement every day and will continue to ratchet up pressure until we achieve reform.”