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Dear President George W. Bush, president of the United States,
Greetings in the wonderful name of our Lord and Savior; Jesus Christ.
The Bible said: Remember that you were slaves Egypt [Europe] and the Lord your God redeemed you. That is why I give you this command today.
But if your servant says to you: “I do not want to leave you.” Because he loves you and your family and is well off with you. Deuteronomy:16:15-16.
On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?...Go and do likewise.” Luke:10:25-37.
The United States of America is the Good Samaritan. Praise be the Lord!
Please work to develop comprehensive immigration reform that upholds this nation's identity as a nation of immigrants and enables citizens to continue to welcome and assist newcomers to our land.
On December 16, 2005, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Border Protection,
Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005, HR 4437. This legislation is very troubling, as it marginalizes many immigrants, criminalizes persons who are in this country without proper documentation, jeopardizes persons who help them, and denies the undocumented their day in court. It also creates more barriers and bars to asylum, making it even more difficult for those who flee oppression to receive asylum.
It treats asylum seekers as criminals by making it felony to be “out of status” after overstaying a visa; limits their access to federal courts (which will deprive many asylum seekers of a federal court review); and increases the detention of asylum seekers and expands expedited removal.
As a concerned citizen who understands the important roles migrants, immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers have played in developing this great nation, I am writing to request that you do all in your power to
develop legislation that will assure we remain a strong and diversified nation, which welcomes our sisters and brothers from around the world with laws that are just, fair, and treat all persons with dignity and
respect.
This means rejecting legislation that marginalizes immigrants. It means developing legislation that welcomes those who will be productive members of our society, while at the same time assures the safety of all the residents of this land.
Please work to develop comprehensive immigration reform that would help to:
* Fix a very troubled immigration system.
* Safeguard asylum seekers.
* Protect the human rights and workers’ rights of undocumented laborers, who are vital to our economy.
* Provide a path to legalization and family unity, and
* Develop a fair program for future migration.
Thank you for reading this letter.
Sincerely in Jesus’ Name.
Rev. Dr. Alberto Martínez, Pastor.
Iglesia Bautista El Buen Pastor
521 Spencer St.
Toledo, Ohio 43609
February 2, 2006
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