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The Fast for Families Across America tour arrived last week in the Inland Empire, where people of faith and immigrant leaders joined in a Solidarity Non Breakfast event in San Bernardino.

Constituents, clergy, labor and immigration rights leaders gathered at the SEIU/ULTCW building in San Bernardino to join the fight, calling on Rep. Gary Miller (R-Rancho Cucamonga) to do the right thing and support immigration reform with a path to citizenship.

We are calling on Rep. Miller to leave a legacy of inclusion that reflects the will of the people and support commonsense immigration reform with a path to citizenship," said Christian Avila, an Arizona "Dreamer" who fasted for 22 days on the National Mall last November. The retiring congressman has the opportunity to be on the right side of history and do the right thing for his district, the state and the country."

Attendees sent Miller (whose district includes part of Fontana) a message written on an empty plate, symbolizing the act of fasting for immigration reform. Miller announced recently he will not be seeking reelection this fall.

According to analysts, proposals in favor of immigration reform would benefit about 12 million undocumented residents. President Barack Obama and most Democrats support these proposals, but many Republicans in the House of Representatives are reluctant.

For the past year, immigrant rights groups have been rallying outside his (Miller's) office, lobbying his staff and holding vigils in support of immigration reform that would benefit many in the community that he represents. Constituents in his district are willing to fast for immigration reform and its time Congressman Miller listens to them," said Elena Carrasco, state coordinator for Mi Familia Vota, a non-profit organization that promotes the importance of voting among Hispanics.

The two-bus nationwide tour will make seven of its more than 75 district visits in California and will hold press events, prayer vigils and community meetings to mobilize constituents and underscore the moral urgency for Congress to pass immigration reform this year, said organizers.

Rep. Miller has a moral obligation to serve the very people who chose him to be their leader. Sometimes, leaders have to make difficult decisions. We are praying for Rep. Miller so that the decision he takes is one of justice in support of comprehensive immigration reform with a pathway to citizenship," said Reverend Walter Contreras, a Rancho Cucamonga resident.

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Immigrant leaders hold event in Inland Empire to support reform efforts