Fr. Augustin Maiz prays with families in Arizona.

A delegation of religious leaders from PICO traveled to Arizona today to lift up testimonies from, and pray with, residents stricken with fear ever since Governor Jan Brewer signed legislation last week criminalizing being in the state without proper documentation.

"We've come to Arizona to stand with both immigrants and non-immigrants alike who are standing up to this unjust law," said Mary Rabon, co-chair of PICO National Network and a leader with Communities Creating Opportunity in Kansas City, MO.   "No one should walk down the street feeling that because of the color of their skin or the clothes they wear they will be stopped and questioned by the police."

"The religious community must be heard and our message must be a clear and united: this law is morally unacceptable and it time that Congress move forward with comprehensive immigration reform," said Fr. Augustin Maiz of Holy Family Catholic Church in San Diego, CA.   "We're hopeful to see legislation moving forward in Congress, with the introduction of a detailed framework and a commitment to seeking out bipartisan support."

To ensure that legislation keep moving forward, this weekend, congregations in more than a dozen states will be holding services, prayer vigils, marches and rallies as part of a "Pray for Immigrants Weekend" sponsored by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, PICO and other religious denominations and organizations.

PICO organizations and ally congregations in New York, California, Colorado, Louisiana, Florida, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Illinois, Wisconsin, Virginia, Texas, & Ohio will come together on May 1 and 2 to pray for fair and just immigration policies that respect core faith values including human life, human dignity and family unity.  

For more information about the events this weekend, visit www.piconetwork.org/prayforimmigrants