Bringing humanity back into the immigration debate

“…it reminds everyone that the immigration debate is not about politics or statistics but about human beings, it is a way to remember to put people first,” said Reverend Alejandro Alfaro-Santiz.

Iowa CCI members joined a coalition of other folks at Congressman Latham’s office in Des Moines to fight for immigration reform every Tuesday, for 30 weeks in a row.

Around the noon hour, you might have seen the dedicated group along Grand Ave. with signs like “Honk for immigration reform!” or “No human being is illegal.” 

This past Tuesday, their 30th week of holding these vigils, they lined the street, holding those signs firmly, with unmatchable determination.

They then filled Congressman Latham’s office to hold a vigil.

“The vigils are important for several reasons.  First of all, so that immigrants know that there are people who are on their side, standing with them, and caring for them.  It doesn't matter if in any given week immigration is an important topic or not on the federal or state level - we do the vigils because for many people, immigration is their daily life…… it is a way of reminding our elected officials that there are people who care about immigration,” said Reverend Alejandro. 

Congressman Latham’s staff remained in their personal offices and did not address the concerns presented.

30 weeks dedicated to remembering that the war on immigration’s toll is lives, families, and hope.

Maria Romero, CCI member, routinely attended the vigils. “This is important because families need to stay together. People left violent countries seeking a better life,” said Maria.

Congressman Latham is stepping down at the end of this year, but can still help move immigration reform forward – after all, he had a weekly lesson in how to do so.

Immigration policy is ultimately decided by those in politics. This policy drastically affects human lives. This is a human issue, far more than a political one. Human lives have much more value than political conflict – for political change, that must be realized.

Thank you to our members and those who stood in solidarity for immigration reform!

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