Statement by Interfaith Leaders

October 13, 2008

Dear Friends and fellow Americans:

Greetings in the name of God, our creator and sustainer.

As you know in just one week, Americans will begin
going to the polls to elect members of congress and the
president of these United States.  These elections will
take place against a background of
very important issues such as the economy, the
environment, the need for rapid intervention to repair
heavy damages caused by hurricanes, the rising cost of
gasoline and our involvement in two
wars.  It is however so important to realize that in time
of hardship, nations tend to look for scapegoats.  In our
case, we find many who want to put the blame for such
dire situations on the
immigrants and especially the undocumented among us.

We want to encourage you to remain level headed, seek
information and inquire about the stand of your
candidates on the issue of immigration.  No one can
deny that there is an urgent need for
comprehensive reform of our immigration system.  We
do believe that the U.S. must secure its borders, but we
must also approach this matter with justice, pragmatism
and especially compassion for
the more than 12 million undocumented men, women
and children currently in the country.

We know that the vast majority of these people find
themselves here because of desperate political and
economic conditions in their homeland.  They have
come here seeking a modest existence for
them and their families.  Most immigrants pay taxes and
work to feed their families both here and in their home
country.  

We believe that allowing people to come out of hiding,
pay a fine and wait in line to obtain a green card, while
using renewable work permits would be good for the
economy, assist those countries
that will receive remittances and allow the U.S. to know
and have control over who resides in this country.

As we celebrate the discovery of these lands by the
Spaniards more than 500 years ago, we urge you to
carefully and prayerfully consider the stand of your
candidates on this whole issue of
immigration and then vote according to the dictate of
your conscience.

Blessings