When dealing with the subject of immigration, or in most cases--illegal immigration, I think that some compassion is in order. Sure, the curmudgeonly part of me wants to take a hard line stance and deport anybody that is here without a "legal" right to be here. But the humanitarian part (yes, I have a humanitarian buried deep in my personality) doesn't want to send them back to a situation that is worse for them or their families.
The fiscally conservative part doesn't want to spend a nickel of public money for their health, education or well being. While the humanitarian part (their it is again!) doesn't want to withhold necessary things from the innocents (children) that are caught in the situation as a result of adults that can't get things worked out.
I certainly realize that we need to have immigration laws and the right to enforce them. I shake my head in the irony of the strict Mexican immigration laws in regard to their southern border and the Mexican government's blind eye towards people leaving through their northern border and the criticism they have for the US policies.
I don't know if the Arizona law is the answer but I do think that the state has the right to address the issue since the federal government chooses to ignore it.
I'm not a big fan of the writings of Richard Land. I usually don't disagree with his stance, but often find his attitude and demeanor offensive. However, his article on addressing the issue of immigration was well written and deals with the compassion, understanding and grace that we (the citizens of Heaven and of the US) should have towards those that are just seeking a better way of life. Read the article, contemplate the ideas expressed, and let's see if we can't offer some help to our elected officials in addressing the issue facing our border states and effecting us all.
Love God, love your neighbor...
John
"I don't know if the Arizona law is the answer but I do think that the state has the right to address the issue since the federal government chooses to ignore it." That's pretty much what I said in my blog a few days ago. And I still stand by my immigration reform plan, which (in my humble opinion) is practical, realistic, humanitarian, and - probably - affordable. Yes, I love my neighbor. But I'd prefer that my neighbor play by the rules.
ReplyDeleteRichards Lands' wikipedia bio and the article don't exactly line up.
ReplyDeleteDitto.
ReplyDelete