We invite you to read and reflect on the following articles that have recently been published.

The first comes from the Los Angeles Times and is a brief article about a recent announcement Governor Schwarzenegger has made, Schwarzenegger says illegal immigrants are not to blame for fiscal crisis.

The second article, available on http://www.msnbc.com, examines the reaction two neighboring towns have had in relation to immigration raids in their community, 2 Iowa towns, 2 views on immigration raids.

Lastly, the Wall Street Journal has begun to regularly publish articles on immigration reform. Here are three articles that directly discuss immigration reform: Will Obama’s policies on illegal immigration trigger a bloodbath?, Emanuel now a back of immigration action, Obama and the amnesty trap.

In the last few days President Obama and members of his administration have made several declarations in which they have committed themselves to work toward immigration reform before the end of the year. This raises many expectations and calls us to work. From the time the Red de Pastores y Líderes del Sur de California was organized whe have committed ourselves to the following in relationship to a just and holistic immigration reform. We want to see reform that:

1.    Recognized the contribution of immigrants to the United States;
2.    Legalizes the status of millions of people who are working in this country without being able to obtain legal documentation;
3.    Establishes a just system so that foreign workers can meet the labor needs of the United States legally;
4.    Provides for national security;
5.    Foments good relationships with our neighboring countries;
6.    Provides opportunities for family reunification, and
7.    Seeks bi-partisian support.

We invite you to be alert to upcoming opportunities to work on behalf of these goals for the good of our community.

LA RED