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NewsWire

A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact:

Beatriz Lopez, Fast for Families - beatriz.lopez@seiu.org, 202-412-7396
Tyler Prell, SEIU - tyler.prell@seiu.org, 202-701-5796
Diana Ip, We Belong Together - dianaip@yahoo.com, 510-858-3302

'Fast for Families Across America' Finishes Tour in DC

Buses Arrive at National Mall for Rally, Breaking of Fast with We Belong Together

WASHINGTON

After seven weeks, more than 15,000 miles and 80+ congressional districts, the "Fast for Families Across America" buses are completing their journey on the National Mall this morning. The buses will be greeted by a rally of supporters from the faith, business, labor and immigrant rights communities, continuing the call that "America Deserves a Vote on Immigration Reform."

The rally will bring together the "Fast for Families" leaders and the We Belong Together - Women For Commonsense Immigration Reform 48 hour fast being held on the Mall. These two campaigns have been shining a light on the moral and economic crisis created by our broken immigration system and urging members of the House to act this year to pass commonsense immigration reform.

The concluding rally will be followed by a procession to the Capitol where Fast for Families and We Belong Together leaders will deliver a letter to Speaker John Boehner asking for a vote on commonsense immigration reform and meet with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.

WHO:

Rabbi David Saperstein, RAC

Rev. Anthony Suarez, NHCLC

Rev. Gabriel Salguero, NALeC

Rev. John McCullough, Church World Service

Rev. Sharon Stanley, Disciples of Christ

Norma Mendoza Chavez, We Belong Together

Eliseo Medina, Fast for Families

DJ Yoon, Fast for Families & NAKASEC

Henry Cisneros, Former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development

Rev. Jim Wallis, Sojourners

Rudy Lopez, Fast for Families & FIRM

Rev. Eunsung Lee, United Methodist Church & NAKASEC

Cristian Avila, Fast for Families

WHAT: "Fast for Families Across America" national bus tour completes journey at the National Mall. Closing rally, procession to Capitol, media availability

WHERE: 4th Street between Jefferson & Madison

Washington DC 20024

WHEN: Wednesday, April 9

10:00 AM "Fast for Families Across America" buses arrive at 4th Street rally

10:15 AM Rally speaking program begins on National Mall

11:15 AM Rally concludes

11:20 AM Delegation proceeds to Capitol Hill for meetings with members, deliver letter to Speaker Boehner, meet with Majority Leader Reid

With 2 million members in Canada, the United States and Puerto Rico, SEIU is the fastest-growing union in the Americas. Focused on uniting workers in healthcare, public services and property services, SEIU members are winning better wages, healthcare and more secure jobs for our communities, while uniting their strength with their counterparts around the world to help ensure that workers--not just corporations and CEOs--benefit from today's global economy.