Following up on last week's rollout of the "Home for the Holidays" nationwide campaign to support comprehensive immigration reform, a series of events across the country are lifting up the faith community's commitment to pass just, humane policies that keeps families together rather than keeping them apart.

As Allison at Sojourners pointed out at God's Politics today, the initial event in Decorah, Iowa, last weekend received solid news coverage, including a segment on the Iowa City NBC affiliate KWWL and an article in the local newspaper, which reported that

A group of about 100 people gathered in support of immigration reform Sunday afternoon at the high school in Decorah. Although there were not specific immigration reforms suggested as part of the event, the consensus was clear that current immigration policies and practices are seriously broken and in need of reform...

Local stories of immigration were shared, from that of a sixth generation Norwegian American (Marilyn Anderson) to that of Rosa Zamora, who tearfully told of her experience of separation from her children and husband during the Postville raid. Cheuang Kavan, a resident of Decorah since 1985 shared emotional stories of his family being North Vietnam and Laotian refugees...

Events like these can help turn the tide on difficult issues by showing the local consequences of national policies and demonstrating the grassroots will to change them. Through the holiday season and into next year, expect more stories like these.