Church World Service yesterday (April 17) expressed hope that the bipartisan immigration reform bill introduced by eight senators will provide much needed reform to the country’s immigration system.

In a statement released immediately following introduction of the bill, CWS President and CEO the Rev. John McCullough said, “CWS welcomes today's introduction of a bipartisan immigration reform bill. We are hopeful that such a comprehensive piece of legislation will improve the U.S. immigration system and include many of CWS's policy priorities to help build stronger, more welcoming communities.”

The bill was introduced by Sens. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), John McCain (R-Ariz.), Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Michael Bennet (D-Co.).

“We thank Senators Schumer, Graham, McCain, Flake, Durbin, Rubio, Menendez and Bennet for their leadership in addressing this very important issue. CWS has been calling for immigration reform that creates a roadmap to citizenship, prioritizes family unity, and improves the lives of refugees,” McCullough said.

Over the next few days, CWS staff will be carefully reading the more than 1,000 page document in preparation for releasing a more detailed response to the legislative proposal.

CWS is an independent ecumenical relief and development agency with historical ties to the National Council of Churches. A nationwide leader in refugee support and resettlement, it is supported in part by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).