Illigal Imigration

[Hisluv4me]

I wanted to know what everyone's thoughts were on the illegal immigration debate. Are we as Christians supposed to support it or stand against it?

 

[guerito]

I wanted to know what everyone's thoughts were on the illegal immigration debate. Are we as Christians supposed to support it or stand against it?

thera are many aspects of this problem. here are two

1) obey the law of the land

2) help the poor

i read an article in USA Today that seems to have a balanced approach.

it is titled "God and immigration reform" ( i can't post links yet, sorry)

and there is this from the NEA "Immigration 2009", they have outlined 7 points that help give a christian viewpoint to the issue.

i hope that this helps you. i have much more to say, but no time right now.

 

[Asvin]

I strongly stand against it because illegal immigration causes economic and social problems. First off, most of the illegals don't pay taxes and that can be a strain on the economy. Second, it is a bad name for themselves. What I mean by that is... Say a Chinese guy illegally crosses the border into India, then most Indians, I assume, would view the Chinese in a negative manner and that also affects any Chinese person inside India. See my point?

 

[heron]

1) obey the law of the land
2) help the poor

Even though there are delays in citizenship process, immigrants to the US are given the opportunity -- and expectation -- to become citizens.

In choosing not to abide by the required processes, they break the law. They don't pay taxes, drive with state licenses, file paperwork with employers ... these are laws of the land that are defied.

How do we as Christians look upon people who are intentionally breaking laws? Illegal immigrants are taking what is not theirs, according to law. Christianity stands for love and compassion, but not condoning crimes.

The country is full of assistance for citizens who need support... both formal organizations and non-profit generosity. Becoming a citizen does not mean they won't be able to afford living here.

 

[.Iona.]

I believe that we should help people who are in danger and are genuine asylum seekers. but doesn't mean just taking people into the country because that isn't solving the problem. However, when people come in illegally for no genuine reason and do get free housing etc, I find it difficult to accept.

 

[leftjohn]

I wonder if God recognizes the lines we draw in the sand? I wonder if He knows or even cares what an illegal alien is?

When questioned on judgment day, do you think God will accept – “They didn’t deserve help because they were born on the wrong side of the line”?

 

[FM1385]

How do we as Christians look upon people who are intentionally breaking laws? Illegal immigrants are taking what is not theirs, according to law. Christianity stands for love and compassion, but not condoning crimes.

I hear what you are saying. But what happens when the government starts to commit crime?

 

[covefromoz]

It really boils down to the word illegal.

America puts in place many measures that welcome people to come here and enjoy citizenship, but these people are coming here and ignoring all those things. America isn't saying "we don't want you here because you're Chinese, Mexican, etc." but it's upsetting that we HAVE a way to become a citizen here and benefit from everything America offers, and these people ignore it.

I can't condone illegal immigration, because it's insulting. I hope that these people get help because they need it, otherwise they wouldn't be fleeing...but for goodness sake take the time to go through the proper channels and really become a citizen here. Our ancestors had to do it, some of us. It's not impossible nor is it difficult. We need to open our arms in compassion but not condone illegal activity.

 

[slaptotheface]

Currently most illegal immigrants cannot go through the legal process. Most are here illegally because they don't have any other choice. No one wants to be in a country illegally. The ones that are here illegally have to live with the fear of being deported at any moment. Jesus preached love above all other commandments. Try to have some compassion for their struggle. They made a huge sacrifice to try and live a better life in this country.

 

[Intellectual-Christian]

Here are a few meager thoughts:

1) The Bible commands us to obey the government authorities when it does not directly conflict with the commands of God. So, one should not illegally cross a border. But...

2) That does not speak to those of us who are Christians in the United States. The question on the table is whether we help those who are here. Since we are commanded to care for the prisoner, I don't see any implication that we should not provide aid to those who do break the law.

3) My ideal is, since we have the luxury of living in a democratic republic, to work to change the laws. It is currently immensely difficult to come to the United States to work. I have heard multiple employers talk about it. The conversations I've had with illegals has been overwhelmingly (although not universally) that they would rather come under legal work visa situations. If we provide a reasonable way for people to come here to work, then they won't be as tempted to come in illegally and it seems we solve both problems.

 

[supersoldier71]

I agree that we should show compassion for everyone. But as the American government should be firstly concerned with the well being of Americans. Illegal immigrants do jobs that for generations were done by Americans, but for the last generation we've been told that American's "won't do" those jobs. We've been told this so often that we've come to believe it. I have come to see, especially during this time of economic uncertainty that Americans - like illegal immigrants - will do what it takes to survive. With unemployment hovering at 9%+, I really feel that this issue needs to be addressed in order to build a sustainable economy in the future.

 

[EveryTongueConfess]

I am strongly for illegal immigration...Look at what America stands for...

Read the poem which lies on our Statue of Liberty...

America is the place for everyone to come to
Obvious nobody wants illegal immigration but the process of becoming legal can take up to 10 YEARS! If we reject those people, which our country was based upon and which our country stands for then we are the biggest hypocrities ever.

We are so blessed that we were merely born into America/A republic/Democratic nation...To deny others is terrible...

 

[Aibrean]

Illegal immigration is no different than theft. Should we support stealing because someone is poor? There is always a choice.

It's not a matter of us "rejecting" those people. Their own country is responsible, not ours.

Do illegal immigrants pay taxes? Do they drive a vehicle with a valid license? Do they enable other people to become criminals by hiring/sheltering them?

 

[heron]

The US has about 310 million residents now. People are estimating 13 million illegal aliens (or up to 21 million).

FAIR: FAIR estimates there are 13 million illegal aliens

An illegal family could get caught if they sent their kids to school. Will there be a generation of kids who grow up in the US with no schooling? Welcoming people we can't support is like taking in a homeless man and refusing him food.

School districts are not allowed to deny schooling. It already costs an estimated 29 billion annually to educate children of illegal aliens, K-12.

FAIR: Costs of Educating Children of Illegal Aliens

How many teachers do you know that complain of overcrowded classrooms, insufficient supplies, and other problems related to enrollments and budgets.

Federal government is concerned about the tax base and services used, but local governments need to gauge spending on many levels --

• Reapportionment at the federal level
• Drawing federal, state, county, city and other district lines
• Drawing school district boundaries
• Land use planning
• Urban and rural planning and development
• Analyzing labor supply
• Forecasting housing needs
• Understanding changing community demographics
• Targeting program funds
• Targeting services for children and adults who speak other languages
• Forecasting future state and local transportation needs
• Planning for local mass transit
• Developing special programs for low income families
• Locating special needs populations
• Establishing emergency management programs and priorities
• Planning for hospitals, nursing homes, clinics and other health services
• Planning services for people with disabilities
• Developing public safety plans
• Understanding consumer needs
• Developing and attracting new businesses
• Distribution of state and federal funds

Several counties have issued resolutions and ordinances on immigration both in response to a national immigration policy agenda and to local challenges associated with illegal immigration

 

[realtruth101]

Personally I think some Americans should have their citizenship revoked, many who work for the government in blatent disregard of our Constitution and Bill Of Rights. Someday the tables will be turned, and Americans will be running for the borders to escape from marshal law and a collapsed economy, I don't think the Mexicans will be as hospitable as we have been with all our free handouts, welfare and free clinics

 

[realtruth101]

And here's a reality people need to remember, ASK any native American Indian how illegal immigration worked out for them. when your country is over run by a people who do not hold to the same beliefs," how can you possibley imagine you will be able to hold unto yours" a quote by an Indian Chief somewhere in America

 

[christiansocialist7]

regardless of a persons circumstance we should treat them with neighbourly love

40and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as
well;
41and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile.
42 Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants
to borrow from you.
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate
your enemy.’
44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who
persecute you,

Social and Economic difficulties? worth it to show gods glory through acceptance and generosity.
Surely as Christians we should be breaking down national barriers rather than imposing them, do you believe their will be countries in heaven?

 

[supersoldier71]

There are no countries in heaven, for sure, but we are called to obey the laws while we're here. I don't see enforcing a national border as the same thing as bowing down to a false god, and I don't see it as dishonoring God. That means that whether I agree with t or not, I'm supposed to obey it.

 

[MacNeil, D.]

I wanted to know what everyone's thoughts were on the illegal immigration debate. Are we as Christians supposed to support it or stand against it?

There are some reforms to the Immigration and Nationality Act that should be made, but we make our immigration law, not the illegals.

And as for the illegals, deport every last one of them, without exception.

Stand in line or stay home.

 

[heron]

Are we as Christians supposed to support it or stand against it?

Christians come from diverse experiences and knowledge bases, and it is important that we listen to each others' experiences and information, to come to our own personal conclusions and convictions.

In the bigger picture, it seems more important that Christians know how to form their own political opinions, than to "get it right." Politics and societies involve people, and people are always shifting and changing. A system can be beneficial one day, and destructive the next. We need to stay in tune, so we don't latch on to something that will eventually drag us in the wrong direction. (Mixin' my metaphors)