Immigration reform seeks big audience at Indianapolis 500

The Indianapolis 500 field features racers from many countries, the race is watched by millions of people worldwide — and this year, it also will be a forum for Americans urging thoughtful immigration policy reform.

A coalition called Bibles, Badges and Business, an initiative of the group National Immigration Forum, said it will unveil a "jumbotron" message at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Friday calling for immigration reform, a message that will be in place through race weekend.

The formal announcement and unveiling is scheduled for a news conference via teleconference. Among those slated to speak is Angela Smith Jones, public policy director of the Indy Chamber.

Jones said she was first approached in late 2011 or early 2012 to become involved in the coalition of law enforcement, business representatives and faith-based organizations.

The multistate group began to form after a "wave" of anti-immigration measures were passed in several states, she said.

Lake County (Ill.)Sheriff Mark Curran, who has gained national attention for his advocacy on the issue, has at least one specific demand:

"All I can say is: Speaker Boehner, you're killin' us. Call the bill."

Republican Speaker of the House John Boehner has yet to call for a vote on a limited immigration reform bill, although discussions have been going on this week.

Curran's call to action is not about party differences: Curran is a dyed-in-the-wool Republican who campaigned with conservative Rick Santorum and had shared venues — including in Indianapolis — with Grover Norquist, father of the no-new-taxes pledge dear to the Tea Party.

And, Curran said, as a Catholic, he supports compassionate immigration policy that recognizes human dignity.

Many illegal immigrants came to the U.S. when demand for workers was high and no one paid attention to border control because business owners wanted inexpensive workers, Curran said. To expect those people to now abruptly leave, or to deport them, is "immoral," he said.

Call Star reporter Diana Penner at (317) 444-6249 and follow her on Twitter @dianapenner.