"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