Kevin Appleby moderated a "How to Get Our Message Out" session:
Stacy Burdett of the Anti-Defamation League -- hate groups are using the immigration issue to foster their own bigotry. For example,
- KKK having a comeback in new places as they ride the immigration issue.
- Neo-Nazi groups, white supremist groups growing, along with border vigilante groups.
- Formation of "Mothers Against Illegal Aliens" and Capital Area Alliance.
- Non-white immigration is an "invasion" into our way of life.
- Migrants termed as "hordes" or "swarms" who never want to assimilate.
- Disease and criminality as a slow-rolling terrorist attack.
- Fight back against the invasion, a pattern of escalation.
- Frank Sharry, America's Voice: opponents use a simple formula: we are under siege from "them." They should get out and stay out.
How to get the message out: look at USCCB, Cardinal Mahony, Bishop DeMarzio, US-Mexican bishops, etc.
Values, Volume, Velocity need to be added to the debate.
We have a better practical solution than expelling 12 million people, or making life so fearful that they will self-deport. Whose solution will work and is it right?
Mass Deportation vs. Earned Citizenship is a debate we can win. Opposition needs to be seen as nonviolent ethnic cleansing. Common humanity trumps other arguments.
Rule of Law argument can be won by comprehensive immigration reform advocates.
Immigrants are not just good for the church, immigrants are the church.
Tod Tamberg, Communications Director, LA Archdiocese:
- marches are not "protests", but we're in a post-march era now anyway.
-migration going on all over the world, many can put the face on it
Highlight the contribution of immigrants, they are us.
Have designated spokespeople to put in front of media.
Stay ahead of pushback from opponents.
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