Special Mass held for immigration reform
BY AMY DRISCOLL
adriscoll@MiamiHerald.com
The pews at Gesu Catholic Church in downtown Miami filled with immigrants from Haiti, Colombia, Cuba and other countries Saturday for a day of prayer and action called by the Archdiocese of Miami to encourage ''compassionate'' immigration reform.

''Immigrants are not criminals. We just want the opportunity to work and live our lives in peace,'' said Laura Jaramillo, 23, a Colombian immigrant who has been in the United States for seven years.

The archdiocese held a ''Celebrating the Migrant'' Mass, followed by a procession to the Torch of Friendship in Miami's Bayfront Park. It was in response to the U.S. immigration reform movement that ground to a halt in Washington last month when a controversial immigration bill stalled and collapsed in the Senate before a final vote.

Despite lobbying from President Bush, the bill was assailed by critics because some say it offered amnesty to 12 million undocumented immigrants. Even supporters weren't thrilled because one provision would have created a point-based merit system for admitting future immigrants, undercutting the long-standing family-based system.

''I know a lot of people here who have been affected by what's happening in Washington,'' Jaramillo said. ``They want to work for a better life, and they want to work legally.''

Around her, the crowd hoisted signs saying, ''All religions believe in justice,'' and ``Comprehensive immigration reform now.''

The 111-year-old Gesu Church, where the Mass was held, has historically been a place of refuge and welcome for thousands of immigrants -- Cubans first and more recently those from the Caribbean, Mexico and Central and South America, the archdiocese said.

For attorney John de Leon, former president of the Greater Miami American Civil Liberties Union, the Mass and procession was an opportunity to show community solidarity for immigrants.

''This is a chance to show respect for all people, including immigrants, in a city with a long history of immigration,'' de Leon said.

Gloria Luna, director of the office of social advocacy for the archdiocese, said the turnout, close to 200 people, and the mix of language -- Spanish, English, Creole -- offered proof that a diverse community can come together on an issue like immigration that touches so many people.

''After the Senate bill died, we were very disappointed, but the church will continue to support the people, no matter what politicians do or don't do,'' Luna said.

``The church will still be there.''

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