Immigration Reform Advocates Take Over Congressional Offices

CWAers and allies sing “We Shall Overcome” in the Rayburn House Office Building halls.

The Democratic caucus stands with Fast4Families activists.

Activists march from the Capitol down to the Fast4Families tent on the National Mall.

Today CWA activists joined more than 1,500 immigration reform advocates in occupying over 200 congressional offices. Activists from across the country prayed and held vigils. The song "We Shall Overcome" echoed through the halls of Rayburn House Office Building.

It was a final send-off to lawmakers before they head back home for the holidays. And it was also a preview of the 2014 campaign to come, telling House Speaker John Boehner and House Republicans that this issue is not going away. The time for Congress to pass immigration reform with a path to citizenship is now.

The entire Democratic caucus stood behind reformers. They gathered for a press conference with Fast4Families participants on the steps of the U.S. Capitol before marching down to the Fast4Families Fasting Tent on the National Mall for a closing ceremony.

Today was the last day of the fast that started on Nov. 12 to spotlight our country's broken immigration system. Activists – including CWA President Larry Cohen, who joined the fast for 24 hours – helped spark a nationwide movement, which included more than 10,000 solidarity fasters from coast-to-coast and millions committing to act for reform.

CWA activists at the office of Rep. James Sensenbrenner (R-Wisc.).