Congressman Mark Kirk and his stance on immigration have been in the news lately (look at these Sun-Times, Huffington Post, and Progress Illinois Articles). During the same time, a coalition of constituents from the Latino, Korean, Jewish, Catholic/Christian, and Muslim communities in Kirk's district have been contacting Mark Kirk's office in order to sit down with him to talk about his and their views on Comprehensive Immigration Reform, and issue that the president has said will be taken up this year. Unfortunately, Congressman Kirk's has ignored their request for a meeting (even with the District Director/Chief of Staff), so the constituent leaders thought it was time to pay a little visit to the Congressman's office, scheduled meeting or not!

On Monday, August 31st, and on Tuesday, September 8th, dozens of leaders went to Kirk's office and delivered letters showing the principles that guide their desire for an Immigration Reform. On August 31st they were promised a follow up call from the office within a week. When that call did not come, they went back and demanded a response. Thanks to the leadership of Congregation Hakafa, leaders pressured the office and spoke to the press secretary and got a commitment to hear back about a possible meeting. The group walked out feeling good and ready to keep up the pressure.

In the past, Congressman Kirk has consistently misrepresented immigrants, accusing them of driving up health care costs, prejudging immigrants as criminals and terrorists, and even suggesting that birth control in Mexico is a solution to the illegal immigration problem (See full fact sheet on www.icirr.org/kirk).

Immigrant leaders are tired of rhetoric and want to talk to Kirk about solutions. We will keep coming until the office hears our vision of Immigration Reform and forces the Congressman to evolve his views!