Denver Seminary

Last Wednesday I flew down to Tucson to participate in an immigration summit organized by the NHCLC (National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference), which is the Hispanic NAE (National Association of Evangelicals). It was quite an evening. Here is the link to the news release, so please go there for many of the details: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/historic-immigration-summit-takes-place-in-arizona-presented-by-hispanic-evangelical-leaders-with-delegates-from-across-the-nation-including-representatives-from-president-obamas-administration-130381083.html

I would add two other pieces:

• We listened to a powerful testimony from an Hispanic young man, who is an advocate for the DREAM Act. This legislation would help undocumented young people attend college with in-state tuition and provide them a path to legal status. The DREAM Act is an acronym for the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act. He spoke eloquently—in both excellent English and Spanish—about his many years here. He was brought as a boy to this country by his parents and was given a vision for education. He finished high school and, even though his high school counselor tried to dissuade him, he went to college and graduated with a double major in English literature and political science! He has already begun law school. So much potential for the common good in so many young people, if the system would give them a chance!

• It was reported to us that the feeling coming out of Washington these days is that immigration reform may take a while. Politicians of both parties are reluctant to address the issue. Conferences like this summit, however, are proof that change is afoot—maybe not in Washington, but surely outside the Belt Way, as faith communities begin to get informed and involved. It may take time, but foundations are being put into place for constructive change. ¡Sí se puede!