The Immigration Issue Can Be Solved By Using Scriptural Principles of Compassion and the Law

The laws of the land are quite clear when it comesand child abusers that regularly cross the border and
to immigration and almost everyone follows themterrorize the immigrant community.
with the exception of people crossing the Mexican3. We must not allow those declaring complete
US borders. The vast expanse that creates ouramnesty to use such language that declares that
borders, the ease of crossing over, the level ofthese immigrants have rights that they just don't
corruption and poverty in Mexico, and the prosperityhave; specifically, the right to be here in America.
of the United States makes the temptation just tooThat right does not exist for someone who has
strong for many to resist.entered illegally and is in fact available according to
The principles of compassion are also quite clearlaw to those who follow said law.
when it comes to treating the 'least of these' as we4. Think about this: what would happen if all the
would treat Jesus himself. The Parable of the GoodMexicans who are streaming across the border took
Samaritan tells us to take care of our neighbor andit upon themselves to better the government and
that our neighbor is someone in need. The Book ofeconomy of their native land? Certainly then their
Leviticus even mentions that the treatment ofcountry would be in economic competition with us
immigrants should be kind, loving, and treated withinstead of a servant to us (I know that is politically
the same dignity as one of us.incorrect and sounds insensitive but it is the reality of
Those people who are in the United States withoutwhat is).
documentation are here illegally and are therefore5. Remember that politicians are doing what they do
breaking the law. Nonetheless they are here,best by lying out of both sides of their mouths. Most
therefore our neighbors, and should be treated withof them are not inherently concerned about following
dignity and love. Just being in a country that bordersthe laws of the land nor are they interested in the
ours makes them our neighbors.welfare of the illegal immigrants. They want to
Are these two principles of law and compassion, bothmaintain and/or strengthen their current political base
of which are in the Bible, contradicting each other?and weaken their opponents, all the while making
Can we uphold the laws and still show compassion?sure that any votes they do cast don't come to
Can we show compassion and still uphold the laws ofhaunt them in the future.
our nation?6. Remember also that the nature of the media is to
The answer is, yes we can.tell a lie so watch it with a careful eye in the same
Here are some of my thoughts on the immigrationway you would watch a thief in your house.
debate:7. When you find yourself without peace and there is
1. We must recognize that our borders have to beconfusion about the immigration issue just remember
closed This is without question an obvious fact yet inthat God knows right where you are and will give
the midst of the shrill emotions of the immigrationyou peace and clarity if you just ask Him.
debate we have lost our memory of 9/11 and theWhich side of the river do you find yourself on when
cost we paid for weak immigration law andit comes to the immigration debate? Well, this is one
enforcement.debate you will be on safe and stable ground if you
2. We must see the majority of the illegal immigrantshave one boot planted on the side of compassion
who are currently here as a benefit and not a threat.and one boot planted on the side of law; and both
At the same time we must do all we can to protecteyes looking for a workable resolution.
our country from the thugs, gang members, convicts,