On Friday, March 2, 2012, Dr. Warren H. Stewart Sr. was elected the new chairman of the National Immigration Forum Board of Directors. Serving on the Forum’s board since 2010, Dr. Stewart is senior pastor of First Institutional Baptist Church in Phoenix, Ariz., and has been a leading advocate against Arizona’s SB 1070 immigration law.
In his 35-year pastoral career, Dr. Stewart has focused on issues of justice, including efforts to establish a Martin Luther King Jr. state holiday in Arizona. Drawing parallels between the 20th century Civil Rights Movement and today’s efforts to recognize, celebrate, and build consensus about the contributions of immigrants in America, Dr. Stewart is perfectly poised to lead the Forum forward.
“To advocate for the value of immigrants and immigration to our nation is to fortify a pillar of America’s history, heritage and hope,” Dr. Stewart said. “After all, immigrants—voluntary and involuntary—founded and built the United States. The demographics of our country are changing, but our differences and diversity make our country stronger when we recognize one another’s contributions.”
“With the Supreme Court’s decision on Arizona’s SB1070 immigration law looming, Pastor Stewart’s leadership role in our nation’s immigration debate has never been more importan,t” said Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum. “Pastor Stewart’s commitment to justice serves our nation’s interest, and the National Immigration Forum is honored to have him as our leader at this important juncture.”
