Religious leaders need popular support on immigration reform

Immigration reform is a vital issue nationally, and the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, based in Sacramento, California, is among the groups that are pressing for change.

The Rev. Samuel Rodriguez is the national president for the group, as well as a preacher working out of the Christian Worship Center in Sacramento.

Rodriguez is one among many voices for reforming America's immigration policies and laws. However, according to Alan Wisdom, vice president of the Institute on Religion and Democracy, change isn't going to occur unless the people in the pews get behind these religious leaders.

Meanwhile, Arizona's controversial new immigration measure, adopted earlier this year, takes effect on July 29.

New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to religious and social dialogue, nationally and globally.