People For the American Way’s African American Ministers in Action (AAMIA), a nationwide alliance of over 1,200 clergy, applauded the Senate passage of a bipartisan immigration policy yesterday.

Minister Leslie Watson Malachi, director of AAMIA, released the following statement.

“Our country must create real solutions for the millions of men, women and families caught up in an outdated and often unjust immigration system. Today’s bipartisan vote was a critical step in the right direction. This bill isn’t perfect, but it represents important progress towards a working, fair immigration system, and most importantly it creates a clear roadmap towards citizenship for those who are vulnerable.

“The Senate passage of The Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013 (S. 744) reflects the hard work and commitment of immigration rights advocates, including many in the faith community. People of faith from across the country, across religious and denominational traditions came together, stood up and fought for the rights of our new American friends, neighbors and families. We know our country is stronger when we respect and embrace the vibrant diversity that makes us who we are.

“Now it is time for the House to act and pass a strong, common sense bill to fix our immigration system. Today’s vote showed that elected officials sent to Washington can work together for the good of our country. For too long, the debate over immigration policy has been dominated by voices of fear and intolerance. We strongly encourage members of both parties to finally listen to the voices of the majority of Americans who recognize the need to create a common-sense, humanitarian, just immigration policy.”

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