The Problem of Illegal Imigration:

Who would have ever thought that as I traveled down the highway during our recent vacation trip, I would find that there are now Hispanic radio stations in places like Knoxville, Tennessee, Roanoke, Virginia, and a growing number of such stations in the Nashville, Tennessee, area? 

 

Like most Americans, I am not against immigration to the U.S.  I am against illegal immigration into our country.  That shouldn't be a controversial position; but to some Christians, it may be. Some seem to think that the Bible requires us to disregard our own laws, show love and kindness to the aliens within our borders, and even give the illegal immigrants sanctuary and provide them with all manner of social services.  I've even heard some comments to the effect that since so many of these illegal residents are such hard workers, we should welcome them with open arms and be glad they're here.

 

I do not have the solution to this problem; but a few thoughts, both from a spiritual and political point of view, seem relevant.  First of all, when God tells the Israelites to treat the aliens within the borders with kindness, He is referring to those who are not Israelites, not to groups of people who came in illegally and demanded their rights.  Second, I certainly think that Christians should treat other people with love and respect; but that does not require me to take lightly the violation of immigration laws, any more than it would require me to disregard laws against breaking and entering if somebody came into my house illegally.

 

For generations, we have taken pride in the fact that we had one of the longest sections of unguarded borders of any nation in the world.  It seems to me that this is a luxury--you might call it a civility--we can no longer afford.  It's doubtful at this point that we could gather up all of the twelve million illegals who are in the country and immediately deport them.  That probably would be neither desirable nor humane.  Many suggestions have been made as to minimal requirements the illegal residents should have to meet in order to stay in this country--the commitment to learn English, the commitment to become citizens, the payment of a fine, etc.  And we also have the problem of what to do about employers who, knowingly or otherwise, hire illegal aliens.

 

As I say, I don't have the solution to this problem; but I do know that many constructive proposals have been made from all across the political spectrum.  I also know that our nation, individually and collectively, is paying a price for inaction on this problem--and the price will only get higher.  What troubles me most is the distinct possibility that *nothing substantive will be done!  With all the expressed concern and apparent hand-wringing of the politicians, the issue appears too hot for anyone to handle.  The problem isn't going away.  Christian love does not mean blind permissiveness or indifference to the legal system.  It's a difficult issue; but it demands serious and systematic action.