A local religious coalition urged U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter yesterday to support the proposed McCain-Kennedy immigration overhaul bill, which it says protects both national security and immigrants.

"Many say the bill is not perfect, but most enduring things are not perfect," said Ezequiel Mobley, host of Hola, a locally produced Spanish-language cable show, at a news conference sponsored by the Pittsburgh Interfaith Impact Network.

He spoke outside Specter's Pittsburgh office, where several interfaith network representatives were scheduled to meet with the senator's staff.

Network representatives focused on Specter because he is chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, but have not written off the more conservative Sen. Rick Santorum, they said.

"This bill has support from both the far left and the far right," Mobley said. It is co-sponsored by Sens. John McCain, R-Ariz., and Edward Kennedy, D-Mass.

The interfaith group praised its provision of a temporary work visa for immigrants who have been offered jobs as unskilled laborers; reforms that would make it easier for legal immigrants to bring their spouses and children to the United States; and federal reimbursement of hospitals that provide emergency care for undocumented aliens.

The bill also would upgrade border security, tracking of immigrant workers and security checks of immigrants and travelers.

The speakers stressed that illegal immigrants work hard when they get here -- and the bill would allow their earnings to be taxed. They emphasized America's immigrant history, and said the Bible requires immigrants and aliens to be treated well.

"You cannot talk about family values and not allow these people to be reunited with their families," said Sister Barbara Finch of the Sisters of St. Joseph.

"This is still one nation under God -- the same God who told the nation of Israel, 'You shall not harm or oppress an alien, for you were once aliens,' " said the Rev. John Welch, pastor of Bidwell Presbyterian Church, Manchester.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops recently announced a major immigration reform initiative, based on principles it proposed two years ago along with Mexican bishops. The conference is studying the McCain-Kennedy bill, and so far it appears to be "the closest of all the bills introduced to the bishops' principles," said Kevin Appleby, a conference official.