Editor, Commonwealth:
I thought Tim Kalich’s op-ed column (“American in all things but one,” April 16) on the plight of a local resident and his residential status here in Greenwood was very appropriate and timely. Thank you.
As you know, the U.S. bishops have a very definite suggested plan for immigration reform that has been honed for years. Many of the common objections along the way have been sifted so that the latest version is very clear and concise and considers in general terms what should be done. We have been advocating with Congress for years to address immigration reform.
The bishops basically call for a path to citizenship for the undocumented in this country, orderly and without exaggerating the time frame in which it should be brought about. We are addressing the 11 million undocumented individuals who are in the country at this time. Of course, criminals would be singled out and delayed or deported accordingly.
From time to time, we conduct postcard, letter and email campaigns to send as many calls to our senators and representatives in Washington from as many people as we can contact in sympathy with the cause.
I refer you to the website justiceforimmigrants.org for in-depth, ongoing coverage of the complex and urgent issue of immigration reform in the United States.
Father John Gouger, C.Ss.R.
Greenwood
