Within the framework of the 250th anniversary of the United States, Latino religious leaders, migrant families and faith organizations gathered in Washington, D.C., to recognize the historical contributions of immigrants to the country and demand policies that guarantee dignity, a path to citizenship and more humane treatment for those seeking a new chance at life.

The gathering, called “Lament and Hope: A Christian Celebration of the Presence and Contributions of Immigrants,” brought together hundreds of people in a bilingual religious service organized by the National Latino Christian Network (LCNN), along with organizations such as Sojourners, the Interfaith Coalition for Immigration and the Center for Faith and Justice at Georgetown University.

Faith as a call to defend immigrants

During the ceremony, participants offered prayers, shared testimonies and reflected on the role immigrant communities have played in building the United States.

The Reverend Carlos Malavé, president of the LCNN, stated that the nation's anniversary should also serve to recognize the contribution of millions of immigrants.

"When our nation comes together to celebrate, we come together to proclaim that our immigrant brothers and sisters are a blessing to our country. The church walks with them, even when they are rejected," he said.

For her part, Bishop Minerva Carcaño, president of the Immigration Working Group of the Council of Bishops of the United Methodist Church, warned that the United States is going through one of the most difficult moments in the treatment of the immigrant population.

"Immigrants have helped build this country; however, today they face racism, a deficient immigration system and are used as political pawns," he said.

They ask for citizenship and an end to the detention of families

At the conclusion of the religious service, attendees went to the Capitol to meet with legislators and congressional staff. There they requested to promote immigration reform that contemplates a path to citizenship, the end of the detention of immigrant families and the strengthening of asylum and refugee resettlement programs.

The Rev. Adam Taylor, president of Sojourners, said the way the government treats migrants represents a moral test for the country.

"For more than 250 years, immigrant families have made invaluable contributions to this nation. The way we treat them today will define our values ​​as a society," he said.

The organizers concluded the meeting with the commitment to continue promoting initiatives that promote a more fair, inclusive and respectful immigration policy for the rights of immigrants.