Immigration Advocates Fast for Reform

Despite popular consensus that immigration reform won't happen this year, advocates aren't giving up.

By Von Diaz Nov 20, 2013

Immigration advocates have been ramping up efforts in recent weeks, coming up with different strategies to try to pressure Congress to pass immigration reform.  But last week Speaker John Boehner dashed hopes that immigration reform would happen this year, and just yesterday President Obama softened his stance on the need for comprehensive reform, saying he would accept a piecemeal approach and "leave behind some of the tougher stuff that still needs to get done."

Still, advocates across the country, including Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) and other elected officials, are protesting Congressional inaction by fasting. On November 12 a coalition of labor, immigration, and faith-based groups launched Fast for Families, a nationwide campaign that appears to be growing and is expected to continue through Thanksgiving. 

Among them is Sang Hyung Jung, a Korean immigrant and father, and Christian Avila, a 23-year-old DREAMer from Phoenix, Ariz. And on Monday, a group of 11 undocumented immigrants, many of them youth, began a 5-day fast in protest.  Fast for Families and partners are raising awareness for the fasting campaign via social media using the hashtag #Fast4Families