"Nuns On The Bus" Immigration Rights Tour Visits DC
Friday, May 31, 2013
(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)“Raise your hands, raise your voice, for
immigration reform now!” The chant, led by
Sister Simone, rang out across the U.S. Capitol
grounds yesterday as the “Nuns
On The Bus” tour stopped by Washington on
its way across the country, “driving for
faith, family, and citizenship.” The tour is
organized by NETWORK, a national Catholic
social justice lobby. “In America, it
shouldn’t be where you come from that
matters,” said AFSCME president Lee Saunders
as the midday sun blazed down. “It
shouldn’t be how long you’ve been
here that matters. It shouldn’t be your last
name that matters. What should matter is your
dedication. Your dedication to your families,
and your communities, and your commitment to
making our nation a better place for all.”
Metro Council President Jos Williams related
his own personal story of immigration, and
credited the leadership of the faith and social
justice communities for working with the labor
movement to set the stage for a path to
citizenship for millions of undocumented
immigrants. Also speaking yesterday were SEIU
president Mary Kay Henry, America’s Voice’s
Frank Sharry and IWJ’s Michael Livingston.
The tour -- 6,500 miles over 15 states, with 53
events in 40 cities – continues through June
18. Sister Simone urged supporters to text NUNS
to 877877 to register support for immigration
reform. - report/photo by Chris
Garlock