The Immigration Issue Can Be Solved By Using Scriptural Principles of Compassion and the Law
By: Les Herron
The laws of the land are quite clear when it comes to immigration and almost everyone follows them with the exception of people crossing the Mexican/US borders. The vast expanse that creates our borders, the ease of crossing over, the level of corruption and poverty in Mexico, and the prosperity of the United States makes the temptation just too strong for many to resist.
The principles of compassion are also quite clear when it comes to treating the ‘least of these’ as we would treat Jesus himself. The Parable of the Good Samaritan tells us to take care of our neighbor and that our neighbor is someone in need. The Book of Leviticus even mentions that the treatment of immigrants should be kind, loving, and treated with the same dignity as one of us.
Those people who are in the United States without documentation are here illegally and are therefore breaking the law. Nonetheless they are here, therefore our neighbors, and should be treated with dignity and love. Just being in a country that borders ours makes them our neighbors.
Are these two principles of law and compassion, both of which are in the Bible, contradicting each other? Can we uphold the laws and still show compassion? Can we show compassion and still uphold the laws of our nation?
The answer is, yes we can.
Here are some of my thoughts on the immigration debate:
1. We must recognize that our borders have to be closed This is without question an obvious fact yet in the midst of the shrill emotions of the immigration debate we have lost our memory of 9/11 and the cost we paid for weak immigration law and enforcement.
2. We must see the majority of the illegal immigrants who are currently here as a benefit and not a threat. At the same time we must do all we can to protect our country from the thugs, gang members, convicts, and child abusers that regularly cross the border and terrorize the immigrant community.
3. We must not allow those declaring complete amnesty to use such language that declares that these immigrants have rights that they just don’t have; specifically, the right to be here in America. That right does not exist for someone who has entered illegally and is in fact available according to law to those who follow said law.
4. Think about this: what would happen if all the Mexicans who are streaming across the border took it upon themselves to better the government and economy of their native land? Certainly then their country would be in economic competition with us instead of a servant to us (I know that is politically incorrect and sounds insensitive but it is the reality of what is).
5. Remember that politicians are doing what they do best by lying out of both sides of their mouths. Most of them are not inherently concerned about following the laws of the land nor are they interested in the welfare of the illegal immigrants. They want to maintain and/or strengthen their current political base and weaken their opponents, all the while making sure that any votes they do cast don’t come to haunt them in the future.
6. Remember also that the nature of the media is to tell a lie so watch it with a careful eye in the same way you would watch a thief in your house.
7. When you find yourself without peace and there is confusion about the immigration issue just remember that God knows right where you are and will give you peace and clarity if you just ask Him.
Which side of the river do you find yourself on when it comes to the immigration debate? Well, this is one debate you will be on safe and stable ground if you have one boot planted on the side of compassion and one boot planted on the side of law; and both eyes looking for a workable resolution.