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STEVEN ENGELHARDT (314) 504-4029

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, WED 11.9.11

Clay Forum at Washington U. Seeks Common Ground to Reform Nation’s Immigration Policy

Congressman Tells Students and Community Leaders That “Immigration is Not Just a Matter of Law; It’s Also a Test of Our Humanity”

ST. LOUIS – Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay (D) Missouri convened a ground-breaking forum yesterday on immigration at Washington University in St. Louis.  The event brought together expert panelists from immigration law enforcement, immigration advocacy, and community stakeholders who work tirelessly to help immigrants become lawful and productive members of the St. Louis community.

In remarks to the forum which attracted students, faculty and many community leaders, the Congressman said, “As a Member of Congress, it has always been painfully obvious to me that our immigration policy is broken, and we need to fix it. From my point of view, that means that immigrants must obey the law.  And the American people have to find a way to help the twelve million undocumented immigrants come out of the shadows to become lawful and productive members of our society. In the final analysis, the question of immigration reform is not just a matter of law…it’s also about upholding the dignity of every human being in this country.”  Mr. Clay continued, “Immigration is a very American story…and it’s also a great St. Louis story. Many of the issues we are facing today aren’t new. Previous generations of Americans have struggled with the same tensions and the same problems…and they found a path forward. I truly believe that the best way to find common ground that will lead us to a solution…is to start listening to each other.”

Moderated by KMOX Radio host Charlie Brennan, the Clay Immigration Forum’s panelists included former INS Commissioner Gene McNary; Chester Moyer, United States Citizenship and Immigration Service – St. Louis Field Office District Director; Ken Schmitt, Chairman, Missouri-Kansas Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association; Anna Crosslin, CEO & President, International Institute of St. Louis; Dr. Katherine Mathews, Director of Clinical Services, Casa de Salud; and Bob Fox, Board Chairman, Casa de Salud.