House Democrats are appealing to Pope Francis to promote comprehensive immigration reform during his visit in the U.S., among other causes.
In a series of short videos released Tuesday, Democrats urge the pontiff to advocate for their issues during his address to Congress. In each video a variety of different lawmakers speak directly into the camera and address their statements and desires to the Pope.
“Pope Francis, your calls to reject violence and hate against immigrants in months past have been welcome words for us. Here in the United States we ask our Republican colleagues to listen to your voice of compassion towards immigrants,” said Rep. Jose Serrano (D-NY) says in a video highlighting Democrats’ desire for comprehensive immigration reform.
“Pope Francis, when you visit Washington, D.C. we hope you will speak in support of comprehensive immigration reform,” Xavier Becerra (D-CA), the chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, adds in the video.
Reps. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA), Loretta Sanchez (D-CA), Marc Veasey (D-TX), and Jim Costa (D-CA) also appeared in the immigration video.
Watch:
The other two videos in the Democrats’ line up deal with poverty and climate change.
“Pope Francis, far too many people today in the United States still don’t make a living wage. This is unacceptable and we in Congress must do more,” Brenda Lawrence (D-MI) says in the video focused on combatting poverty.
Joining Lawrence in the video were Reps. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Tony Cardenas (D-CA), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Mark Takano (D-CA), Marcia Fudge (D-OH), Charles Rangel (D-NY), Paul Tonko (D-NY)
“Pope Francis, we hope you will address climate change and talk about how it especially hurts lower income communities and the most vulnerable among us,” Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) says in the video dealing with climate change. Also appearing in the climate change video were Reps. Mark Takai (D-HI), Jerry McNerney (D-CA), Ted Lieu (D-CA), and Raul Grijalva (D-AZ).
Pope Francis arrived in the U.S. Tuesday and is slated to address Congress Thursday.
Poverty Video:
Climate Change Video:
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