http://www.kentucky.com/mld/kentucky/15381501.htm

Posted on Mon, Aug. 28, 2006

Immigration hearing in Owensboro is drawing a crowd


HERALD-LEADER STAFF REPORT

Buses from Lexington and Louisville are expected to leave this afternoon for Owensboro carrying people to participate in activities surrounding a U.S. House of Representatives hearing on immigration reform scheduled for Tuesday.

At 7 tonight, an interfaith prayer vigil is scheduled at the Catholic Cathedral of Owensboro followed by a community meeting on immigration. On Tuesday morning, the group is expected to hold a news conference and gather inside and outside the public hearing scheduled by the U.S House.

Representatives have hosted a series of hearings this summer across the country on immigration after passing an immigration reform bill in December. The U.S. Senate later passed its own version, and there is much disagreement about the two proposals.

A number of community groups, such as the Kentucky Coalition for Comprehensive Immigration Reform in Lexington, favor other proposals that would allow immigrants a chance at citizenship, and they are attempting to make their voices heard at this public hearing, said Freddy Peralta of the coalition. For more information, go to www.KCCIR.org.