Dear members of Florida Voices for Immigration Reform:
It is with very heavy hearts that we share the news that Manuel Guerra Casas, an immigration activist with a unique voice, has left us at the very young age of 32.
http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-344439. He was a member of the citizen driven coalition, Florida Voices for Immigration Reform.
Manuel, a devout Catholic, loved the United States and wanted with all his heart to one day to become a United States citizen. He was an engaged citizen and a patriot. Manuel reflected what Alexis Tocqueville said in the 1830's about Americans. "Patriotism in the U.S.," Tocqueville wrote, "grows by the exercise of civil liberties". Manuel did take advantage of the great freedoms offered in this country and his civil liberties. His activism was critical since he considered himself an "undocumented Republican," and thus helped our coalition that seeks to act as a bridge between both parties so that Congress can give our nation needed sensible immigration reform. His voice resonated because he was able to show Republicans that there are many undocumented immigrants like him who would find a home in theRepublican party. He was an active supporter for Senator Marco Rubio.
There will be a Mass at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Thursday January 21, 2016 at 6 p.m. 159939 SW 150th Street, Indiantown, Florida.
There will also be a Mass at St. Ann Catholic Church, 310 North Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach, Florida 33401 on Sunday January 24, 2016 at 1:30 p.m.
Manuel is being sent back to Mexico, a country that he left when he was only 16 years old, to be reunited with his parents, who have not seen him since he left. Often it is with a death that the separated families are reunited as a result of our antiquated immigration system. Life is so fragile. We hope and pray that Congress will act soon and give our nation sensible immigration reform that promotes legal migration and humanely deals with those already here. Manuel fought for that reform, and we hope that his constant voice for change inspires all of us to continue it.
Let’s continue Manuel's work by continuing to take an active part in the our government, and let’s hope and pray that Congress acts soon on this critical policy issue that affects our children, families, cities, states and foreign relations.
