Thread: Miami: Special Mass held for immigration reform

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.''

http://www.miamiherald.com/416/story/163851.html

compassionate reform? Why, these people have entered our country illegally and have broken several laws. If we allow all law breakers compassion, we will be a land of the lawless instead of a land of laws.

Originally Posted by Beckyal

If we allow all law breakers compassion, we will be a land of the lawless instead of a land of laws.

It appears that the "land of the lawless" is already upon us.

For example, last night I was driving through Camden-Lugoff, SC, on US 1, a 45 mph divided highway. A couple of guys on new bikes, driving on the paved median, passed me at about 90 mph in the center of town. Neither bike had a license tag. I called the Highway Patrol, but I have little doubt they got away.

Today I heard of a biker in another state who actually got caught. But he was clocked at 140 mph. I guess 140 mph rates an arrest, but with limited resources, the police just can't go after everyone who drives 90 mph through the middle of town.

Last month, a Latino, presumably an illegal alien because he knew no English, went through a yield sign at about 50 mph into the far left lane, nearly hitting my car except for my good brakes. At the stop light, I walked up to his car and told him that a triangular yellow sign means "yield right of way," but he just laughed, obviously not understanding a word I said.

As he drove off, a Deputy Sheriff drove up and asked what happened. I told him that a presumed illegal alien, who did not understand English, had driven through the yield sign and crossed four lanes of traffic to nearly hit me. I pointed in the direction the car went, but the deputy just drove off another direction. I know what he was thinking: "What's the use?"

NO LAW ENFORCEMENT => LAWLESSNESS

I'm all for compassionate reform.

Let it begin with showing compassion to the victims.

Cardinal Mahoney held one of those in Los Angeles as well.

Reminds me of an old Yogi Berra story.

He was catching for the Yankees one day. As he watched one player go through a particularly elaborate series of signs of the cross and other devotional signs before stepping up to bat, Berra told the batter, "Why don't we just let God watch the game?"