Greensboro Attends Immigration Reform March in Washington, DC

Cakalak Thunder came to represent Greensboro.

Some AFSC staff and a number of Greensboro residents made the trek to Washington, DC this past Sunday to support immigration reform.  All told there were 50 buses from North Carolina!  FaithAction International House organized three of the Greensboro buses, which were all full!  There was great turnout; the march organizers estimate that over 200,000 people turned up.  The weather was great, and we saw people from all across the country and many diverse backgrounds all united for the cause of comprehensive reform.  From the Texan "Republicans for Immigration Reform" to the New York City Ghanaian contingent to immigrants and allies from Greensboro, everyone was present.  See more after the jump.


AFSC at a national level has a long history of demanding immigration reform in line with our Quaker principles.  We have released a documented called A New Path (pdf) which outlines our suggestions for reform.  The platform revolves around these seven principles:

• Adopt economic policies consistent with human rights and trade justice
• Protect all workers’ labor rights
• Create a clear, workable path to residency
• Respect immigrants’ civil and human rights
• Demilitarize the U.S.-Mexico border
• Support family reunification
• Ensure immigrants' access to services

Marchers at the rally with AFSC signs.

Any bill that Congress presents to reform immigration policy should measure up to these standards that support the basic dignity of every human being.   So far we have come out in support of one bill, presented to the House by Representative Luis Gutierrez.  Call your representatives in Congress today to demand that with healthcare legislation passed, Congress focus its attention on comprehensive immigration reform!