| November-December 2003 | Issue 197 |
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Students Hold Interfaith Service at U.S. Congressman's Office |
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By: Raul Botello Albany Park Neighborhood Council Chicago, IL Members of the Illinois Interfaith Coalition for the Student Adjustment Act, a growing presence of people of faith, comprised of pastors, faith-based institutions, and community organizations such as the Brighton Park and Albany Park Neighborhood Councils, traveled to Addison, Ill. in search of justice in November. The group visited U.S. Congressman Henry Hyde’s office to ask for his support of the Student Adjustment Act (SAA), and to set up a meeting with him. At Hyde’s office, students and parents were joined by the congressman’s staff in a prayer, in what students called “a prayer vigil for our future.” Hyde is a Republican of the 6th congressional district who has not taken a public stance on SAA. The action was part of “National Faith in Students Week” which involved several NPA groups across the country. SAA would enable hardworking, undocumented students to stay in the country and continue their education. Every year tens of thousands of undocumented high school students hit a brick wall when they try to continue their education at the college level because they are not eligible for in-state tuition, regardless of how long they have resided in any particular state. SAA would alleviate such obstacles for promising students all over the country, including Illinois. “It is important to bring more awareness
to this issue," said Flor Benitez, immigrant student and member
of the Brighton Park Neighborhood Council. Our legislators and the
general public need to recognize the accomplishments and all the
hard work immigrant students do to better themselves, their families
and their communities. We are capable of many great things.”
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is published by the National Training
and Information Center. 312-243-3035 |
