Local Religious Leaders Join Push to Alter System

The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk, VA.)
January 15, 2010 Friday
By Deirdre Fernandes

Some local Christian and Jewish religious leaders Thursday lent their voice to a national campaign calling for immigration reform.

"Our system is badly, badly broken," said the Rev. John Manwell of Unitarian Church of Norfolk.

The gathering was part of an effort by Reform Immigration for America urging Congress to act on the issue this year.

The event, which drew about 20 people, was smaller than rallies in Detroit and New York that brought out hundreds of supporters.

Advocates say they believe this could be the year legislators take up the immigration issue after a failed attempt in 2007.

An immigration bill was introduced last month in Congress, and Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., also is working on legislation.

Schumer last year said his bill would increase border security, provide a path to citizenship for those in the country illegally, make family reunification a priority and increase auditing of businesses to ensure they don't hire illegal immigrants.

Schumer is expected to present a draft of his legislation in the coming months.

"It's 2010 - it's time to pass it," said Meghan McNamara of Reform Immigration for America .

The organization is targeting legislators it believes could be critical votes on the issue, including U.S. Rep. Glenn Nye, a Democrat who represents Virginia's 2nd District.

Nye is facing a tough re-election this November; six Republicans have lined up to oppose him.

The congressman will listen to what immigration reform advocates have to say, said Clark Pettig, Nye's spokesman, but Nye believes that the federal government needs to enforce current immigration laws and secure the borders.

Nye would not support amnesty for illegal immigrants, Pettig said.

Rabbi Israel Zoberman of Congregation Beth Chaverim in Virginia Beach said he is hopeful that there will be changes to the immigration law, but he acknowledged that it would be a challenge.

"Immigration reform is vast and complex," Zoberman said. "How do you weigh compassion and security? "

Deirdre Fernandes, (757) 222-5121, deirdre.fernandes@pilotonline.com

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