May
25
Responsible Dialogue On Immigration
Filed Under ISAAC Updates
Few issues have the ability to divide us in such an intense manner as an immigration debate. We have watched as groups have taken to the streets protesting or supporting the recent Arizona Immigration Laws. We have watched as groups have gathered to advocate or oppose Comprehensive Immigration Reform legislation. Then we watched as commentators and observers berated either the protestors or the advocates as criminals and the ruin of this great nation.
In our “sound-byte” culture we fall back on slogans attempting to scale down the debate to one of its many, infinitely complex features. The decisions that will be made in our nation in the coming months will have both present and far-reaching consequences economically, politically, and culturally in ways that we cannot possibly understand fully. In light of this it behooves each one of us to gain a more complete understanding of what the issues are and what is being said about them.
There are three major themes that we as Americans use as filters for understanding the immigration debate.
America’s Changing Face – Is there too much difference?
This approach sees immigration as a looming identity crisis. At the present rate of immigration there are too many differences to assimilate. This increasing diversity threatens to break the bonds of unity—the common ideals of language and democracy—that define our political institution. Also, concerns over terrorism and national security concerns create uncertainty about newcomers. Immigration should be slowed to allow time for immigrants to assimilate into American culture.
There are valid cultural concerns here, but there are tradeoffs. Although it is true that many first-generation immigrants cling to their home countries, it is also true that their children (who are US citizens) continue to adopt America’s eclectic culture and keep our country vibrant and adaptable. America of all nations is the world leader in assimilation, especially for second and third generations, who even while expressing cultural identity, are leading proponents and defenders of the American Dream.
A Nation of Immigrants – Remembering America’s Heritage
In this view, virtually open immigration has been the backbone of America’s strength. Combining diverse cultures yields a uniquely strong and rich society and, overall, immigrants offer far more to American society than they take from it. Especially in a new global neighborhood, immigration is essential to a prosperous future and America must continue to welcome newcomers despite the costs and challenges. The American education system gives access to immigrants towards highly successful and productive lives; this will continue to generate innovation and leadership of the global future.
This too has its drawbacks. Without limits, the lifeboat, which is America, could capsize drowning us all. Caring for and educating all of these newcomers costs American taxpayers.
“Just showing up” was all it took in the not so distant American past; this is no longer a viable method of accepting newcomers. Newcomers that enter by a legal method are always preferred, but current limits on certain classes of visas, which allow for valid workers, prohibits many willing workers from entering and working legally and temporarily in the US.(1)
A Matter of Priorities – Putting Economics First
This final paradigm argues that immigrants strain the public purse, compete for jobs, and exceed our carrying capacity. In this view, the nation would benefit economically by sending certain classes of immigrants out of the country, severely restricting the number of newcomers, and by looking more closely at how their arrival affects the well-being of those who are already here. Americans in low-wage jobs suffer and can possibly even lose their jobs to those who would be willing to work for less.
This causes immediate problems, however, in that immigrants begin to get blamed for problems they do not cause, and it does not recognize that immigrants are a critical part of our economy working jobs that many established Americans would refuse to work. What may seem like an economic solution now, however, may carry the seeds of hardship as the aging US workforce is faced with low replacement figures. Younger workers are not replacing the current workforce; as the baby-boomers age out (77 million are expected to retire by 2030), the US needs an infusion of younger workers to sustain our economy.(2)
For most of us, we can identify with all these themes in some way, but not necessarily as a consensus. These ideas about immigration create tension within us not just among us. Biblical and Christian ideas can also create tension when thinking about immigration. When asked about our citizenship today, most of us would answer with great pride, that we are citizens of the United States of America. We also claim that as believers our primary citizenship is that of the Kingdom of God, and as such we are a people set apart. Through the eyes of Christian calling and when we are on mission, we see each other as more than American, Chinese, Indian, or Mexican, for we are all created in the image of God and God sent his Son to reconcile all of us to Himself regardless of what passport we hold.
There is no denying that the Biblical story is filled with migration. Throughout Israel’s history from her slavery in Egypt to her exile in Babylon, God’s chosen people were strangers in a foreign land, much like we are today, for it is not this world to which we belong. In Leviticus 19:33,34 through Moses, God is laying out His laws for holiness and justice, and instructs the people, “Do not mistreat foreigners who are living in your land. Treat them as you would a fellow Israelite, and love them as you love yourselves. Remember that you were once foreigners in the land of Egypt. I am the lord your God.”
Attempting to sum up an appropriate Christian response to the issues raised by immigration through a quick reference to scripture may seem yet another extension of ‘sound-byte’ culture, but as believers, our mandate is not ultimately political, economic, or cultural.
Should we view justice merely as an issue of legality? Is justice either fairness or fair process, or is reconciliation its end? Is justice linked to our treatment of the “lesser of these”? These are valid and difficult questions whose answers have practical consequences. If we strive to unite families that have been torn apart due to immigration law we definitely would be fulfilling our call to the “ministry of reconciliation”, but would handing out visas to family members over those who have made good faith attempts to enter the country legally be fair process? Can we say that accommodating people who broke the law for whatever reason is justice, or should our concern lie merely with defending the Biblical call to look after the orphans, widows and aliens in our midst?
These are all questions with which we must wrestle. The debate is complex, vitally important, and has now become urgent.
(1) http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1271.html#1
(2) Welcoming The Stranger: Justice, Compassion & Truth in the Immigration Debate, Matthew Sorens and Jenny Hwang, pgs. 118-119
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One Response to “Responsible Dialogue On Immigration”
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This article is excellent, thank you!
It gives us a concise view of the tree main stand points to be equipped for debate and dialogue.
Certainly cultural matters are so valid, and truly economical concerns are issues that responsibly have to be taken into account, but when we, Christian citizens of the new society operates, we need to remember that love can never be substituted for any other concern for more important that it can be.
Justice, mercy and humbleness before Him, is all what He requires to be pleased in truly worship and adoration. Loving Him and my neighbor as myself is the great ommandment.
In the midst of personal cultural preferences, and valid economical concerns, we never shall forget the interests of the King for His kingdom. His kingdom will advance as his servants express His love in tangible matters to the orphan, the widow and the aliens in our midst. Love is the supreme rule on God’s law, and we can clearly distinguish the Law who is above the law! Let’s continue working pursing that His Kingdom can be established on earth, as it is in heaven. Your Kingdom can come!
Blessings!