August recess–a whole stretch of time from early August to early September when Congress is not in session–is coming up, and for immigration reform advocates that means one thing: mobilizing in Congressional districts across the nation to make it clear that we want immigration reform, now.
Some local advocacy groups in California and across the Southwest have already gotten a head start. Somos Un Pueblo Unido in New Mexico, for example, has been putting the screws to Rep. Steve Pearce (R-NM), a member of Congress who has said that he does not support a path to citizenship for immigrants.
Over 300 immigrants, family members, and advocates marched on one of Pearce’s district offices this week, asking him to support immigration reform with citizenship. Here’s the writeup from KRWG:
Faith and community leaders joined over 300 hundred immigrant workers and their families at a march and prayer rally Wednesday in Hobbs calling on Congressman Steve Pearce and Republican leaders to move forward a fair and comprehensive immigration reform in the US House of Representatives. Demonstrators marched over two miles in the pouring rain to the Republican Party headquarters with a clear message: the time is now to move bipartisan legislation forward that provides a path to citizenship for the thousands of immigrants who are a part of New Mexico and essential to key industries in the state.
“We gather here today united in prayer so the light and wisdom of God illuminates our Congressman, Steve Pearce, and all other national leaders making decisions on behalf of our community,” said Father Manuel Ibarra from St. Thomas Catholic Church in Lovington. “We need them to take into account the hard working immigrant families in the agricultural and oil and gas industries of Lea County. They are integral to our local economy and should feel secure and at home in our state.”…
Community groups, churches, and small business owners in Pearce’s district will continue to work on developing an open dialogue with the Congressman who has publicly said he doesn’t support a path to citizenship for undocumented families. The groups will host events and in-district meetings, phone bank, collect petitions, and share their stories with Republican leaders in the state.
New Mexico’s population is 47% Latino. Last month, Pearce voted for Steve King’s amendment to deport DREAMers, which led the DCCC to launch Spanish-language ads in his district.
Another Congressional District seeing lots of activity on immigration reform is Kevin McCarthy’s. McCarthy is the GOP whip from central California who has seen three local rallies in favor of reform in just the first few weeks of this month.
As the August recess starts in a few weeks, this is the kind of thing that Republicans–especially House leadership and those in purple or brown districts–from immigrants and advocates who have already waited too long for immigration reform.
