Denver – Essential workers, many of whom are our immigrant family members and neighbors, are among the millions of Americans that have come together to help get us through the pandemic. And yet, many immigrants working in essential roles have been unjustly excluded from full citizenship in the United States.
Faith leaders, immigrants, and activists from Together Colorado in Denver kicked off a #FastForFreedom to demand citizenship for all. Laura Peniche, Community Leader for Together Colorado and Faith in Action stated, “[DACA] offers no pathway to citizenship and is constantly under attack. Living in this limbo, wondering if the next court date will be the end of DACA and my ability to work, is anxiety producing and unjust. Not only for myself, but also for my 3 children who were born in this country. That is why I am fasting for my freedom… to send a message to Congress that now is the time for them to deliver a pathway to citizenship for our community.”
Both Congress and the American people want solutions. Congress has made many legislative attempts at creating a path to citizenship. In March, bills that allow farmworkers and people with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) to apply for permanent legal status cleared the House on a bipartisan basis. Polling from NPR/Ipsos, Global Strategy Group, ALG Research, Public Opinion Strategies (GOP) poll, and Data For Progress all show that a range of 66% to 75% of Americans desire a path to citizenship. In spite of this overwhelming support, a permanent solution has yet to be signed into law.
As people of faith, we believe in the inherent dignity of every human being, worthy of justice and inclusion. We believe that our federal government must legislate in ways that promote full human flourishing, as creating a path to citizenship would do. The next step is for the Senate to take bold action. The people of Colorado are calling on Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper to ensure that a path to citizenship for our immigrant family members, neighbors, and friends becomes law this year.
Residents of Colorado, including people of faith, want Congress to pass a path to citizenship. Over 900 individuals and 195 faith-based organizations sent a letter to Congress calling for a path to citizenship by any means necessary, including 46 faith leaders and eight faith-based organizations in Colorado. Local policymakers have also expressed their support: four Colorado mayors, including former Republican Congressman Mike Coffman, sent a letter to Congress in support of a path to citizenship for DACA recipients and “Dreamers.” Recent polling from Data For Progress found that 74% of Coloradans polled were in support of legislation that would create a path to citizenship for essential workers and other undocumented immigrants.
In early May, the people of Colorado showed their support in a Citizenship For All march in Longmont and a virtual forum where Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper and Representatives Diana DeGette and Jason Crow were urged to pass comprehensive immigration reform.
“Congress and the Biden administration must seize this opportunity and finally move things forward on immigration,” said Elissa Diaz, Policy and Advocacy Manager at Church World Service and Co-Chair of the Interfaith Immigration Coalition (IIC). “A path to citizenship has broad support across the country, including among people of faith. It would transform the lives of so many children and families, including those who are members of our congregations, places of worship, and communities. Our leadership in Washington must do everything possible, and use every legislative means at their disposal, to pass it this year.”
The Interfaith Immigration Coalition is made up of over 55 national, faith-based organizations brought together across many theological traditions with a common call to seek just policies that lift up the God-given dignity of every individual. In partnership, we work to protect the rights, dignity, and safety of all refugees and migrants.
Follow us on Twitter @interfaithimm
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