Update 3:45 p.m 
KANSAS CITY, KAN. — At a roundtable discussion on immigration today, Kansan faith, business, and law enforcement leaders spoke about the importance of immigrants to the state’s economy and the urgency of immigration reform for Kansas’ diverse communities.
With members of Congress home over the Easter recess, Kansan leaders relied on their expertise on law enforcement, faith and the economy to highlight the need for immigration solutions nationally and call on their representatives in Congress to pass commonsense immigration reform. They also spoke with attendees about the importance of mobilizing to push for a just and responsible immigration solution as the debate moves forward in Congress.
The following quotes can be attributed to today’s event participants:
Allie Devine, Devine & Donley, LLC; Former Kansas Agriculture Secretary:
“Congress needs to address immigration issues. The states are not the appropriate forum to implement immigration policy. We need a national solution and we need it soon.”
Father Mark Mertes, Blessed Sacrament Church:
“We will all benefit by working together to affirm our basic instinct as Americans, that is, to welcome our neighbor who wants to adopt and celebrate our values.”
Mike O’Neal, President and CEO, Kansas Chamber of Commerce; Former Speaker, Kansas House of Representatives:
“This is far more complicated and economically important than simply ‘What part of illegal don’t you understand?’ Folks who say that have no idea or appreciation of the historic and present-day importance of the immigrant worker to this state and this nation. A well-crafted and targeted worker program, coupled with an effective border protection policy, offers the best hope of a ‘win-win’ strategy.”
Rev. Jason Schoff, Mission Adelante:
“The ways we see immigrants and our immigration laws ought to be informed by the full message of the Bible. God clearly is concerned with the immigrant living among us.”
Robert T. Stephan, Former Kansas Attorney General
“It is time to quit playing the blame game. Hispanics and other undocumented workers contribute to our society and they deserve a solution to solve the dilemma that faces them and our nation. We must design a road to lawful status and citizenship that respects those who have been in line and awaiting naturalization.”
KANSAS CITY, KAN. — With members of Congress home for the Easter recess, Kansas business, law enforcement and faith leaders will join together today for a
roundtable discussion on immigration. The leaders will speak about the importance of immigrants and immigration to the state’s economy and diverse communities. Organized by the Bibles, Badges and Business for Immigration Reform Network, the conversation will also focus on how attendees can help push for just, responsible immigration reform as the debate moves forward in Congress. Bibles, Badges and Business is a network of faith, law enforcement, and business leaders that is advocating for broad, bipartisan reform in 2013. The event is being held at The Savior Pastoral Center – Archbishop Keleher Conference Center, 12601 Parallel Parkway, Kansas City, Kan. Among those leading the effort:
Rev. Jason Schoff, Mission Adelante
Father Mark Mertes, Blessed Sacrament Church
R. Bob Stephan, Former Kansas Attorney General
Mike O’Neal, President and CEO, Kansas Chamber of Commerce; Former Speaker, Kansas
House of Representatives
Allie Devine, Devine & Donley, LLC; Former Kansas Agriculture Secretary
KANSAS CITY, KAN. — At a roundtable discussion on immigration today, Kansan faith, business, and law enforcement leaders spoke about the importance of immigrants to the state’s economy and the urgency of immigration reform for Kansas’ diverse communities.