Written by: Sister Elaine Betoncourt, CSJ (Sen. Flake's office) and Sister Gail Young, SSS (Sen. McCain's office)
June 12, 2013
Senator Flake's Office: Upon arriving in Phoenix, three of the "nuns on the
bus" were joined by local sisters and others for a lobby visit with
Senator Flake's staff. There were a dozen or so in the delegation and although
the visit was an extremely brief one, there was opportunity to highlight many
reasons why comprehensive immigration reform needs to be enacted now, this
summer.
What was so special about this visit were the voices of
immigrants expressing their desire to become contributing citizens of the U.S.
and the roadblocks they now face, especially the tearing apart of families.
The people who greeted us both before and after the lobby
event were the most affectionate folks we've met, giving us messages written on
hearts and gifting us with garlands and bouquets of flowers and many hugs and
kisses of welcome and gratitude.
Senator McCain's Office: Today we
visited Senator John McCain’s Office in Phoenix, Arizona. We met with the State Director, Gina Gormley.
Sr. Mary
Ellen, our Team Captain, introduced Sr. Pat, Sr. Marge and me, along with 10
constituent members who were Dreamers, Asylum seekers, and family members with loved
ones deported back to Mexico.
Sr. Mary
Ellen clearly stated how important it is for Senator McCain to stay strong in
his commitment to comprehensive immigration reform.
Sr. Pat explained to Ms. Gormley the devastation
of separating families in our communities.
Patricia,
the mother of a daughter who has three children, was present in the meeting
with us. Patricia’s daughter was deported
to Mexico leaving her three American-born citizens with her parents. The
grandmother had tears in her eyes as she told her story since her family cannot
be together.
Julio shared
that his brother was deported in 2010 and he has not seen his brother since.
And there
are many other stories like these that we have heard on our journey.
Ms. Gormley
stated she will deliver this message to Senator McCain. She also said to us that Senator McCain is
proud of his bill and is committed to bringing it to completion. This brings
hope to the 100%!
