Part of massive civil disobedience event; he heads grassroots, faith-based coalition
Contact: Alma Campos, 312-498-3851, acampos@gamalielmetrochi.org; Laura Barrett, lbarrett@gamaliel.org; Cynthia Jarrold, 913-219-3198, cjarrold@gamaliel.org; Spanish language contacts: Juan Soto, 773-972-7119, jfsoto@gamaliel.org; Michael Okinczyc, 858-232-6754, michael@gamalielwny.org
WASHINGTON, Oct. 8, 2013 /Christian Newswire/ -- A long-time Chicago activist is one of roughly 200 protesters arrested outside the nation's capital in a rally for immigration reform.
Juan F. Soto is the director of Gamaliel's Civil Rights of Immigrants campaign, as well as Gamaliel of Metro Chicago (GMC) and Pilsen Neighbors Community Council (PNCC). Gamaliel is a grassroots network of non-partisan, faith-based organizations in 17 U.S. states.
Michael Okinczyc of VOICE-Buffalo in New York, another Gamaliel affiliate, was also arrested.
Tens of thousands from more than 200 immigrant rights, civil rights, political, labor and faith organizations gathered on the National Mall for a concert, followed by a march to the Capitol where the arrests were made.
"The current immigration environment divides families and keeps loved ones apart for years and even decades," Soto says. Real reform includes a path to citizenship, keeps families together, and provides protection for immigrants against abuse of any kind. Liberty should be the norm for everyone. If getting arrested is what it takes to show the House we're serious, then it's worth it."
"In February, we launched the campaign, 'A Dream for All' a national immigration reform campaign, involving 15 states across the U.S. that included press actions, prayer vigils and meetings with Members of Congress in efforts to provide a pathway to citizenship for 11 million undocumented people in the country," Soto said. I am here representing my community. But, the fight for immigration goes across race, religion, gender and geography. Everyone should have the right to pursue their dreams. It's time for Congress to act."
The concert, called "Camino Americano, (American Way) for Immigrant Dignity and Respect," was given by Los Tigres del Norte, a popular, Mexican Norteño band ensemble that supports immigration reform.
Gamaliel is a grassroots network of non-partisan, faith-based organizations in 17 U.S. states, South Africa and the United Kingdom. Gamaliel organizes to empower ordinary people to effectively participate in the political, environmental, social and economic decisions affecting their lives. Gamaliel's diverse members apply their faith and values to the pursuit of equal opportunity for all, shared abundance, and stronger, more prosperous communities.
Contacts for interviews and photos of this event:
Alma Campos, 312-498-3851, acampos@gamalielmetrochi.org
Laura Barrett, lbarrett@gamaliel.org
Cynthia Jarrold, 913-219-3198, cjarrold@gamaliel.org
Spanish language contacts:
Juan Soto, 773-972-7119, jfsoto@gamaliel.org
Michael Okinczyc, 858-232-6754, michael@gamalielwny.org
