IN IT FOR THE LONG HAUL

As anyone following national politics knows, congressional leaders have altered their timetable for healthcare reform legislation by pushing key committee votes out beyond the August recess. This means that the window for action on comprehensive immigration reform before the 2010 electoral season kicks off is narrowing.

We think this makes the slow and careful work of education, conversation and organization still more vital…and timely. Arizonans for Immigration Reform in collaboration with Arizona Interfaith Network organizations are in it for the long haul.

We also think that increased scrutiny of law enforcement relationships with Immigration Control Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security flow from our central concern for families and communities. Despite vociferous attacks on Secretary of DHS Janet Napolitano by activists around the country, it’s not yet clear to us how policy changes will impact Arizona. We continue to reserve judgment until the experience of families in congregations and communities across the state more fully informs our verdict.