Pastors push for immigration bill

They are organizing their members to lobby Congress.

The nation's largest network of Hispanic churches launched a campaign for immigration overhaul Tuesday.

Esperanza for America is planning to mobilize its network of more than 12,000 faith-based groups in 42 states. The group has been identifying church members who can serve as local leaders, hold community meetings, and contact lawmakers.

Their aim is to flood Capitol Hill with letters and phone calls asking lawmakers to take action on immigration. A handful of pastors who are members of the group are also meeting with Members of Congress this week.

Several lawmakers were present at Tuesday's launch on Capitol Hill, including Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.) and Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.). Grover Norquist of Americans for Tax Reform also backed the cause.

Esperanza for America is just one of several Latino groups pushing Democrats on this issue. President Obama met with some groups last week and vowed to have a bipartisan bill soon.

The activists are planning a large rally immigration in Washington, D.C., next Sunday.

-- Ambreen Ali, Congress.org

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