In a familiar bit of news lately, South Carolina becomes the latest state to decide to enact harsh laws against undocumented immigrants. The Episcopal Church has spoken out in Arizona and in Alabama and is now moving to oppose the new rules in South Carolina.
“This legislation is inhumane,” the Rev. Alfredo Gonzalez, pastor of Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church in Columbia, the state capital, told Efe on Friday.
“Even before going into effect, it’s upsetting Hispanic families who are afraid to step out of their houses and live a normal daily life – or even come to church.”
The Costa Rican-born pastor says the Hispanic congregation his church has served since 2006 has declined from 300 to 200 families, as undocumented immigrants decide to head back to their home countries or move to other states.
“The worst of it is the harm SB 20 is doing to children,” he said.
From here.
In Arizona similar legislation has been opposed by the business community for the effects it is had on the economy. Numerous church groups have spoken out, including the Mormon (Latter Day Saints) but so far to no avail.