VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 5/13/13)—American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) is encouraged by the Senate Judiciary Committee’s progress Thursday toward passing fair and humane comprehensive immigration reform in its consideration of the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act (S.B. 744).

While it was the first day in a long process, the “Gang of Eight” bipartisan senators remained cohesive, bipartisan cooperation was achieved, many positive amendments were passed, and many amendments of concern were defeated.

The committee will continue to consider amendments tomorrow, Thursday and the week of May 20.

The Interfaith Immigration Coalition has issued this statement: “We will keep working to protect and extend the path to citizenship for all and ensure family unity is at the heart of the reform law.” Serving on the coalition’s steering committee is the Rev. Aundreia Alexander, Esquire, ABHMS national coordinator of Refugee Resettlement and Immigration Services.

ABHMS thanks American Baptists who have called their senators to express support for immigration reform. To lend your voice, call 1-866-940-2439.

For more information about the bill and amendment votes, visit www.judiciary.senate.gov. For updated information on legislative progress, visit the Interfaith Immigration Coalition website at http://www.interfaithimmigration.org/.

ABHMS offers a number of resources to assist individuals and congregations with immigration advocacy. For more information, visit www.abhms.org > Ministries & Programs > Justice Ministries > Immigration and Refugee Services, or contact Alexander at aundreia.alexander@abhms.org or 800-222-3872, x2430.

ABHMS—the domestic mission arm of American Baptist Churches USA—ministers as the caring heart and serving hands of Jesus Christ across the United States and Puerto Rico through a multitude of initiatives that focus on discipleship, community and justice.

American Baptist Churches USA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with over 5,200 local congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.