Hispanic evangelicals tout immigration reform

CARROLLTON, Texas — Breaking rank with leading evangelical groups that have chosen to stay out of current immigration debates, a new coalition has formed to represent more than 20 million Hispanic evangelicals and to denounce Congress’ handling of immigration issues.

At an inaugural press conference Feb. 3 in Carrollton, Texas, the Hispanic Coalition for Comprehensive Immigration Reform called on Congress to create avenues for undocumented immigrants to apply for legal status en route to seeking full citizenship.

Hispanic evangelicals are now emphasizing the need for public policies that show compassion to undocumented immigrants. They urged legislation to allow “hard-working immigrants who are already contributing to this country to come out of the shadows” and seek legal status. They also called for “border protection policies that are consistent with humanitarian values and with the need to treat all individuals with respect.”