Immigration Summit to Begin Friday, January 24

Jan 24, 2003 11:43 AM EST

WASHINGTON - The Catholic bishops of the United States and Mexico will formally release an unprecedented joint statement calling to reform the two nations' immigration laws to reflect the reality of a globalized labor market.

Entitled, "Release of Strangers No Longer," the summit will call on immigration issues between the presidents of the two nations. Such issues as immigration in the globalized labor market, reexamination of blockade strategies for border control, and fostering a more welcoming society will be discussed.

The conference, to be lead by Bishop Thomas G. Wenski, Chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Migration Committee, is scheduled for Friday, January 24, 2003, at the First Amendment Room at the National Press Club in Washington D.C. Reception is to start at 10 a.m.

By Pauline C.