Pennsylvania Conference of Bishops

May 3, 2007

The Honorable Arlen Specter
United States Senate
711 Hart Building
Washington, D.C. 20510

Dear Senator Specter,

We write to you regarding immigration reform, an issue that is of increasing concern to us and others in the Lutheran community. As the bishops of the Pennsylvania synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, we receive inquiries from members of our congregations and social service agencies expressing concern that our government is not pursuing an immigration plan that is far-sighted, humane, and for the common good. Particularly troubling are the recent workplace raids occurring nationwide that have spread unnecessary fear and divisiveness into our communities. Families and children-some as young as nursing infants-have been jailed in prison-like detention facilities. These are among the many problems that our current broken immigration system has engendered.

We are also struck by the absence of leadership in our current Senate and the White House at a time when our country needs immediate action. By this time last year, the Republican-led Senate was working actively in committee under your direction and leadership on a comprehensive bill that ultimately passed. This year, the Senate has yet to introduce a bill. In March, President Bush released a plan that does not embody the principles we think should be included in immigration reform. Despite pledging to champion compassionate and fair reform, the President is pushing an unworkable plan that will keep families apart; subject immigrant workers to unfair working conditions stripped of rights and separated from their loved ones; and place far too great an emphasis on punitive enforcement measures.

During this critical time, once again, our nation gravely needs your leadership. You have brought a voice of reason and integrity often lost in this debate. Without your voice we are concerned that immigration reform cannot succeed.

Help us protect families:
In particular, we ask you to be a voice that protects families and keeps them intact. We have heard troubling discussion that Senate leaders may eliminate certain family visa preference categories. As a nation that prides itself on family values and traditions, such a path would not be right. We urge you to speak out against any efforts to undermine the existing family reunification program that has long been the cornerstone of immigration policy. The family visa program should be bolstered. What should be eliminated are the extensive backlogs keeping loved ones from some countries apart for over a decade.

Help us protect our democratic and humanitarian values:
We agree that comprehensive reform must include measures that secure the safety of our communities and ensure compliance with the law. These aims can be achieved, however, without placing thousands of immigrants in detention or stripping them of basic rights such as access to courts. We are shocked that there are now over 28,000 immigrants in detention facilities on any given day-most for having overstayed a visa or entered the U.S. without legal papers. We urge you to champion alternatives to detention and to support provisions that restore basic due process rights to immigrants in a manner that treats them with integrity and fairness.

As church leaders, we believe that comprehensive immigration reform must be consistent with our Judeo-Christian values and principles. Policies and practices must be workable, humane, and welcoming of the immigrant. As time is running out, we ask you to renew your commitment and lead this nation toward meaningful reform.

Finally, we would like very much to discuss these matters with you and will be in touch with your staff to schedule a mutually convenient time for a meeting.

Sincerely,
 

The Rev. Gregory R. Pile, Bishop
Allegheny Synod

The Rev. Carol S. Hendrix, Bishop
Lower Susquehanna Synod

The Rev. Ralph E. Jones, Bishop
Northwestern Pennsylvania Synod

The Rev. Claire S. Burkat, Bishop
Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod

The Rev. Donald J. McCoid, Bishop
Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod

The Rev. A. Donald Main, Bishop

Upper Susquehanna Synod