Pastoral Musings

First of all, I have no solution to the problem.

Second, the folk in D.C. simply don’t care what you and I think, anyway.

Never the less, I have a few thoughts on the issue, seeing it’s such a hot topic.

I’m rethinking things because I think my approach has not necessarily been biblical. I also have had a very interesting discussion with one who has seen the other side of the issue.

Here are my thoughts on an immigration policy that might work:

1.  Biblical truth should lead us to compassion.  How will this work out?  I’m not exactly sure, but it would at least allow folks the opportunity to emigrate from places where there are oppressive governments.  It would also allow folks who need jobs to come and work.

2.  It would allow those who are here illegally an opportunity to register for approval to stay.  It would not reward their law breaking, but it would give a period of time (perhaps six months) for them to register and do so with impunity.

3.  It would incarcerate, or deport the criminal element as the situation seems to demand.

4.  It would allow many to work.  The truth is that there are jobs many in the U.S.A. are simply not going to do.  I’ve heard of people saying that “if I don’t get $X/hour, I’m not going to work at all.”  I know businessmen who speak of workers who only want a check, and won’t work to get it.  There are indeed jobs that many of us simply won’t do.

5.  It would penalize the criminals and help those who are trying to do the right thing for their families.  My immigrant friend (who is here legally, by the way; and may even be naturalized this year) tells me that illegals are often pulled over, given a citation, and charged $1,000 for not having driver’s licenses.  They are then released, only to be stopped and ticketed again later.  He said it’s a Machiavellian game by which the government makes money.  He also complains that good, Christian people are often targeted for arrest and deportation while the violent criminals are often released to commit crimes again.

6.  It would recognize that there are good immigrants and bad ones.  Even some who are here illegally come because they want a better life for their children.

I know that this will probably draw fire from both sides of the aisle, but I must say that these are reflections from one who has heard both sides; though these reflections are incomplete and imperfect.

Related articles

• Utah A Model For Sensible Immigration Policy (alan.com)
• How can you have an illegal immigrant deported if they don’t have the right to be in the US (wiki.answers.com)
• Thousands Protest Georgia Immigration Bills (yourdaddy.net)