As a person who grew up with strong politically conservative views my opinions on immigration (legal and illegal) were quite strict. It seemed to me that migrants were just going to be a burden on our economic, governmental and social structures. As a lawful society we should simply round up these "illegals" and get them shipped out - and do it quickly.But then something happened that I didn't expect. Through my ministry in the jails, detention centers, homeless shelters, and prisons I started meeting some "illegals" face-to-face. Their stories are much different than the stereotype I had in my mind. I thought they just came to the United States to take jobs from our people, to take advantage of our health-care, and become a drain on our welfare systems. The reality (at least for most) is quite different. Many were brought here as infants or young children with their parents. They have lived here most of their lives and really have no connection to another country. Their parents came here to escape a severe poverty and economic situation that left them no opportunity to even feed their children. Most work in menial jobs and are paid in cash at a wage that is much below the minimum. If they are caught they are held in jail and then (usually) deported to their home country. Often this leaves their spouse and children here with no means of support.
I guess the point I am trying to make is this: The problem is NOT a simple one, it is a HUMAN one and therefore demands a humane response - especially from the Catholic Church and from all Christians. Certainly, we should do our best to know who is entering our country and what their intentions are and that's the job of the people hired to regulate the borders. But just as certainly we need to realize that ALL persons in the world are our brothers and sisters in Christ regardless of their migration status and that's our job. In the Catholic Church we call this the principle of Solidarity. Obviously, these people need help and assistance and an understanding response from us.
At this time of year it may be beneficial to remember that Mary and Joseph had to flee from their home country and enter a foreign land to protect Jesus from an unjust ruler. We can assume they found people willing to take them in and give them a helping hand. In assisting or denying the "strangers among us" today we are saying "yes or no" to Jesus, himself (Mt 25: 31-46).
I realize that this is an emotional and political hot button issue. Please leave your thoughts in the comments section.
Dear Deacon John as you I am politically conservative which is rare for a Native American. I look at the immigration issue like this. We are a nation of laws, these laws have been broken by the parents of these children. We have individuals who follow the laws attending classes to learn the language, the constitution of the United States of America, and they pay what ever the cost of becoming a american is. What about them? They were having problems also but they came into our country the right way. Do not get me wrong I have no problem with people coming into this country, but if those in political office want to change the laws then they need to work together to change them. As they say two wrongs do not make it right. If those in political office would quite sniping at each other maybe this problem could have been solved long ago. They keep saying immigration is broken, it is not the law is not being enforced. We are never going to get anywhere in this country as long as those in office think as long and they have a pen and a phone they will go it alone. Big violation of our constitution. We need to elect individuals who will work together in the best interest of the country instead of themselves. This can be resolved if the warring parties would call a cease fire and just sit down together and work it out. It does not help to have a president doing round a bouts to laws he has sworn to uphold.
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