Few things spark more heated debate these days than the topic of immigration. On both sides of the matter, emotions run high and beliefs are deeply ingrained. But there is another aspect to this argument, one that is often glossed over immigration is a political issue, sure, but it's also a moral issue. If people from other countries are struggling, are we morally obligated to help? If we have room to spare, should we feel compelled to offer an invitation? Finally, and perhaps most importantly: if they're already here and living in the United States illegally, should we send them home?
Deportation
If you're not a fan of illegal immigrants, the simplest solution is to boot them out, right? But let's examine that option. It's one thing to send a convicted criminal packing you'll find few people protesting that decision. But what about a single mom? Suddenly the situation becomes murkier. What about someone brought to the United States as a child by their parents? They may be living here illegally, but arrived by no fault of their own. What are the ethics of sending that person back to their country of origin a place they have no memories of and zero attachment to?
In the midst of tempestuous debate, these are questions that ought to be considered.
Living in Fear
There are currently 11 million people living in the United States illegally. We couldn't deport them all even if we tried. However, with small-scale deportations raids on the rise, those without papers are leading lives of constant fear. The psychological effects of immigration raids affect families, businesses, schools and churches. Immigrants report being too nervous to make routine trips to the store or out to dinner.
Strikingly, the city of Philadelphia recently announced that it will be canceling its annual Cinco de Mayo holiday celebration due to concerns about deportation. Over 15,000 people normally attend the lively street party; this year, the streets will be empty.
Whether one supports taking a hardline stance on immigration or not, every action may come with unintended consequences. Consider, for example, the perspective of domestic violence victims living here illegally. Many who were planning to testify against their abusers have since decided against it. They fear being deported, should the justice system rear its head in their direction. The result? Abusive men are now free to continue their awful ways instead of facing the punishment they deserve.
Splitting Up Families
The L.A. Times recently ran a story highlighting numerous immigrant families who are suddenly concerned about getting separated. If the children were born here, they are U.S. citizens. The parents, on the other hand, might not be. The burning question: if both parents get deported, what happens to their children? Some parents are asking friends to sign documents to become legal guardians, just in case. It's a precautionary measure, but the stakes are high. Not taking this step could mean sons and daughters of immigrants being shuttled into the troubled U.S. foster care system.
What Do We Stand For?
All of these issues bring us back to the morality of immigration. Paving a path forward on this problem will not be easy. With intense division afflicting public opinion, we are not currently positioned to come to a consensus. Before the conversation can begin, we must find answers to challenging questions. Only by first defining our values do we stand any chance of generating a resolution.
Who are we, as a society?
What do we stand for?
Do we welcome outsiders?
How should we treat those who disobey immigration laws?
86 comments
-
George Coniglio
http://www.politifact.com/personalities/donald-trump/statements/byruling/false/
-
George Coniglio
It comes down to the Golden Rule.. interesting enough it's followed in over 16 Faiths with slightly different wording. For some their compassion is determined by a man made border..You support Trump.. you oppose decency, and empathy. You promote racism and hate.
-
Sam
I think they can. An Alt ternative faith and one that supports themself. They lead this faith group with hate and alternative facts to put fear in their followers that diversity is bad. They are blind with such hate and ignorance that they refuse to see what Trump is doing to democracy in America. It's not great folks.
-
John Maher
TRUMP is MAKING OUR COUNTRY a LAUGHING STOCK of the WORLD !!!
-
-
George Coniglio
Can one really be a Faith Leader an a Trump supporter?
-
John Maher
N O _ N O _ N O !!! and N O !!!
-
-
Sam
what world do you live in?? Trump's WH is the biggest swamp there is. And it stinks. The whole world can smell it. Keep dreaming man.
-
Sam
The ignorant people who voted for Trump need to get out and protest now. Ignorant people will vote the way they have for years without thinking of the consqences. Obama led with diplomacy and worked at eliminating nuclear arms. Trump wants to launch them. Korea will destroy all the illegals and everyone else. Hatred kills Love thy neighbor
-
Roy L. Patterson
Really, President Trump wants Nuclear War???? Who caused the Arab Spring??? It wasn't Trump, it was Clinton and Obama.. President Trump is only cleaning up their mess and Draining the Swamp.
-
John Maher
TRUMP and his FOURTH WORLD CABINET just ADDED T O N s of SHYTE to the SWAMP, U R complaining and TRUMP is BLAMING what is GONE, DO UR JOB TRUMP, its the RNC/GOP that has SWAMPED the WORLD with LIES and DO NOTHING LIKE TRUMP is right in HIS ELEMENT of LIE and DO NOTHING and do U WANT NUCLEAR WAR, THINK ABOUT IT, U want UR KIDs GETTING KILLED for THAT PIECE of SHIT TRUMP, WELL I GUESS U DO U VOTED for the SHIT !!!
-
-
-
John Maher
THRU GREED AND IGNORANCE of TRUMP and TRUMP GOATs I SMELL BIG PROBLEMS and GOOD CHANCE of A NUCLEAR WAR, has any of YOU ever BEEN in a WAR ??? I HAVE TWO TOURs in NAM REALLY NOT NICE at ALL, ARE YOUR SONs and DAUGHTERs going to go and SACRIFICE THEIR LIVEs so TRUMP and HIS FAMILY of KNUCKLE DRAGGERs can LIVE like FAT PIG DRUG TRAFFICKERs ??? WTF UP PEOPLE, IGNORANCE is NOT BLISS, its only IGNORANCE !!!
-
Sam
Great answer, you must own a pile of guns as well. Sounds like a typical Trump thing. You sure have the answer. While your add it invade Canada and get all the defectors back. Or better yet why not learn from their example and start treating people with more dignity. Come on Why don't you stop trolling. God bless your sick sense of humour if that was meant as a joke.
-
Jim D.
Thank you, Sam, for being the mouth-breathing knuckle dragger I described in my very first paragraph and not staying on topic. "Trump, blah blah blah." And now Sam adds, "Guns, blah blah blah." Focus, Sam! Focus! We're talking about immigration; a topic to which you apparently have nothing to add. Thanks for playing, Sam. Have a nice day.
-
-
Jim D.
Holy crap! Can any of you stay on topic? One of you mouth-breathing knuckle draggers says, "Trump, blah blah blah," and immediately another of you says, "Well, Obama, blah blah blah." And to think most of you are allowed to vote! It doesn't matter what side you're on, whether you're a Trump redneck or a Hilary snowflake. Politics is full of lying, cheating, conniving, backstabbing rats. The only organization with more criminals in it is the NFL, and that's only because more football players get caught. Democrat, republican, or whatever... doesn't matter, because they all suck! Now stop with all the Left vs. Right crap!
Now that that is out of the way, let's talk about illegal immigration (remember?, it was the main topic of the article). Logistically scooping up all the illegal immigrants is not feasible. And no, ICE is not specifically targeting Mexicans, as someone previously suggested. The last time I checked, we do not have a problem with Canadians illegally crossing our northern border, so no one is talking about a northern wall. We do need to beef up our southern border and stop illegal entry. Period. No further discussion necessary. Come here legally (like my grandparents did, and probably many of yours), or don't come at all.
As for those that are already here, as long as they are productive members of society and not criminals, let's work on a path to citizenship that we can all live with. Not necessarily a free pass, but something that does not involve handcuffs, jail time, and breaking up families. If you're an illegal immigrant criminal, then you get loaded into the big circus canon and shot over the wall back to Mexico.
What I want to know is doesn't Peña Nieto every wonder why so many of his people are leaving? Don't you think he would make an effort to make Mexico better so that they would want to stay? I think if he asked our government for help with that, we would do it gladly. The other option is make Mexico the 51st state. I don't think they would put up much of a fight. Peña Nieto can be the first governor, for a year or two until the State of Mexico puts together a real state government and constitution. Everyone there would suddenly be Americans, and if they want to move to another state, go ahead. Or stay where you are since you would already be in America. Actually we should change New Mexico to North Mexico (the postal code stays the same, NM) and Mexico becomes South Mexico. We haven't added a state to the union in nearly 60 years. We're due for a little growth, and Mexico is the perfect choice. It's not too big, it's vulnerable, and it's connected to the rest of the country. We invade Mexico in the morning. Who's with me?
-
John Maher
SIGN ME UP JIM, MAYBE we can do ANOTHER ALAMO only RIGHT this TIME, is your LAST NAME BOWIE ??? YES, I'M IN !!!
-
-
Bill Fox
Don't ask, don't tell. The majority of undocumented aliens who have successfully remained in the country, don't break laws and otherwise don't draw attention to themselves. As long as they are not documented, they are subject to deportation without other cause.
-
Kittie Lou English
Our family's "immigrant" descendants came to this country to WORK for a better life, yes, BUT, they came, got in line, got or created jobs for themselves, learned to speak ENGLISH, and followed the rules and laws of the USA, AND got in line to become LEGAL citizens. When are you idiots going to distinguish between LEGAL and ILLEGAL and what it means! We can NOT keep talking about "immigrants" as though they deserve everything handed to them on a silver platter! First words heard from "immigrants" nowadays is "Where's the FREE STUFF", and that is NO joke. And WE are paying for it. Nobody paid for FREE STUFF when our families came to this country from England and Germany, Holland and other places in the 1800's and early 1900's. They came, immediately started working and paying for their OWN keep.Anyone who doesn't want to go through proper procedures to come in our country, should be turned right back around at the border....they are ILLEGAL!! We would not be able to go to their country, no how, no way and get away with all this trampling over our laws and rules, not to mention the multitudes of BAD people coming in! YES! Send them back to come back in the LEGAL way! The laws are there, they are not QUESTIONABLE We can have compassion and our hearts go out, but we need to protect our own families and our wonderful country that everyone wants to BE IN!. Thank God for President TRUMP!
-
George Coniglio
Your post is just so sad. So much "us and them". So much disregard for others based on man made borders.Slavery was legal at one time.. so were factories which had children working for long hours with very low pay, plus women not getting the vote until one hundred years after men.Please look this up.. Undocumented immigrant don't get ANY as you say..."free stuff" But they get the jobs YOU don't want. Let Trump release his tax returns, apologize to women, to Muslims, and the disabled. My prayers that your heart and eyes open.Amen.
-
Sam
I agree, However sadly, Trump may go to hell without ever apolozing. His distortion of events or what he says even if it's staring him in his face has still left no room in his heart to have any sense of empathy. He may have to be impeached before the American public can see his taxes. It's very sad that people can't see that The Bad people are the ones in the WH.
-
George Coniglio
I agree. He defended abuser Bill O'Reliy.. another person who has no respect for women. Sam.. feel free to friend me on FB.
-
Sam
Thanks, but I'm not on FB
-
Sam
I sent you a message. Please respect my condident.
-
George Coniglio
Of course. I didn't get the message.
-
-
-
-
John Maher
OH KITTIE, KITTIE, I GUESS u FEEL its BETTER to let the TRUMP GANG STEAL it the POOR DEARs
-
-
Mary Jo
I truly believe that if one is wanting to live in the United States of America they should do it legally . Living here is a privlege and and honor. If one has entered illegally they need to go back to their home land. No matter what the situation may be. I do have a lot of compassion but one needs to follow the law.
-
George Coniglio
Thank you Martha.. we need to be promoters of love.. not enforce of questionable laws
-
Martha Knight
Do you know the history of passports, and of travel restrictions? And immigration quotas? God's rules have been clear from Old Testament times: Be kind to the alien (stranger, sojourner) in your midst. The sin of Sodom was gross inhospitality. Read it again, without the nonsense that has been taught to us.
-
John Maher
ALL these SO CALLED MINISTERs and PASTORs SPEAK like their GOD the TRUMP A.H.and APPARENTLY HAVE NO MORAL CONSCIENCE to SPEAK OF, NEVER WOULD FOLLOW any of UR SERMONS, BLAH, BLAH, BLAH.................
-
-
Jack Lam
I see this as a moral situation.i feel criminals should be sent back&all others become citizens.protect the border of others coming over illeagely but who am I but a citizen,no one with power like the gov.only God and some strong fearing men&women in higher places than me can achieve this.may God bless our children.amen.
-
Roy L. Patterson
Every illegal should go back to their home country and apply just like everyone else to enter this country. If you are of good moral character and not a criminal there is a good chance you can get back into this country legally.
-
Sam
Shame on you Obama did a world of good. He has a heart and was not a phony riich spoiled kid that lacks empathy. It's not a liberal thing, It's a human thing. Not sure why you are on this site if you have so much hate
-
John Maher
THESE SO CALLED MORAL PEOPLE DEFENDING TRUMP using TRUMPs WORDs and FOLLOWING HIS WAY INSTEAD of the WORDs and the WAY of JESUS CHRIST, JESUS CHRIST !!!
-
George Coniglio
Thank you again Sam.We who have committed ourselves to Minister must always seek answers in love.
-
Sam
Your welcome, Yes the focus should be based on love. With so much hate going around that is being generated by a leader that lacks diplomacy, vulcabulary, leadership skills, authentic empathy and the ability to tell the truth. Then we need to set an example for those who see hate as their only way out. So much hate is self hate projected at all those around. May God bless their souls and lead them to the path of love and forgiveness.
-
George Coniglio
Beautifully stated...may our Nation heal and learn from the dark period in our history.
-
-
-
-
Keith
It doesn't matter! If you want to come to this country legally. We welcome you with open arms. If you want to come and be illegal. Then it back to the country you came from. What about all the people who came to this country over all these hundred years .
-
John Maher
EXACTLY KEITH IMMIGRATION is a MORAL ISSUE, WHERE is YOUR CONSCIENCE, YOUR MORALITY......................
-
Minister Greg
John, Sam, - You Lost the Election Legally. Get over it and get a life!
-
John Maher
MINISTER GREG, I ask U the SAME QUESTION, DO U FOLLOW the WORDs and WAY of JESUS or UR GOD the DONALD A.H. get a CHURCH with POLICE.........................
-
Sam
One word Russia Maybe you need to get some intelligence. Just saying. God bless those who hide their head in the sand and only show their.......
-
George Coniglio
It's sad that you choose to resort to insults when someone disagrees with you. I have a life. john and Sam have lives. The root of the question is can any Faith Leader really support Trump? Because if you do.. you support a Muslim Ban, mocking the disabled, degrading women, mean spirited tactics,and personal attacks. None of which we can ever endorse.President are called upon to be healers and uniters.. so far he has failed on both accounts.
-
-
-
-
Sam
Your right, the scary thing in all of this is how he has broken so many laws, How the GOP changes the rules to suit themselves and how the very selfish and ignorant stand by and let it happen. They have broken so many ethics that it seems there are non left. The bar is so low that American politics have gone to hell and those who continue to support this will to. The white racist scum has cralled out of the cutters and are walking around like they own America now. Trump has made America great for their sick hateful agenda. These hold on to their guns and never travel the world or care about people who are different then them. They wear their hates that say Make America Hate again. The Shame on the country is from all the people who voted for Trump and those who hated so much that they couldn't vote for Hillary. Lock him up. Lock them up. The disturbing ignorance is overwhelming and the sad part is many of these people call themselves Christians and go to church on Sunday. Fake people, making up fake news and fake facts to justify their war on immigrants, the LGBTQ, women, blacks and anyone they don't like. I'm ranting because it's sooo upsetting. God bless them. Really
-
pastorrichard13
If you want to talk about breaking laws Sam, I suggest you look more deeply at Obama, his administration and the Clintons before you go throwing stones at Trump. You Liberals kill me with the I deserve better crap. The New World order is over, get use to it. The US will be much better off with the Muslim out of the White House.
-
Jack Lam
I agree with you to an extent.ive worked since I was a child,never asked for anything.if I wanted it I would work for it amen.jesus says to give your employer your share of work and not be lazy.we are receiving to much and giving to little.it is time to stand on our own two feet and earn instead get.welfare is good if contributed properly to those in need.since Obama came into office welfare has doubled.i commend pres.trump by saying make amer.great again.for this is true.amen&God bless all.
-
John Maher
BEFORE U START CALLING NAMES get with the CONVERSATION PASTOR my ASTOR13, AGAIN WHAT CHURCH do U PASTOR, DICK13 ???
-
-
-
John Maher
HOW MANY LAWs has TRUMP BROKEN and yet the IGNORANT let HIM STAY in OFFICE, TRUMP is MORE SHAME on this COUNTRY than any SO CALLED ILLEGAL PERSON, HE IS a CRIMINAL in CHINESE CLOTHING.........................
-
pastorrichard13
Spoken like a true Liberal John...
-
Roy L. Patterson
If President Trump is a Criminal, What are Obama and Hillary???? Who started the the whole mess in the middle east, it wasn't Donald Trump. Blame the whole crap on Bush, Obama and Clinton.
-
Rev. John D. Partin
Roy Patterson, how long does this sitting President or his brainwashed drones get to go on scapegoating former Presidents for problems still going on under his administration, instead of taking some responsibility himself and exercising some leadership here?!! If Trumpelstiltskin came to "drain the swamp" and not just drain the dew off his lily while loafing at the White House for 4 years (NO MORE THAN THAT!!), let him do so---starting with the swamp between his ears!!!
-
-
-
-
John Wilson
We are obligated as a society to provide aid and comfort to refugees and we have sufficient resources to do that for many thousands of desperate people. That doesn't necessarily mean that aid would be entry into this country.....nor does it exclude entry. The question is viable alternatives that provide safety, food, shelter and all necessities for a decent life. Currently, there are many parts of the world where people will never be safe if they stay where they are and we read the death count in the paper daily. These people need an alternative outside of harms way. We have a moral obligation to help these people both as a society and in keeping with are value systems...or the value systems we claim to have. To me this is completely different from illegal immigration. Illegal immigration comes in many variations. In most cases people come here for a better life and to get a job, raise a family and contribute to society. We fail when we do not provide a pathway to citizenship for the people that have been here for a long time and have shown an interest in building our country. Three points I want to make are: 1. In the past we have had a refugee policy where if you set foot in this country you are immediately afforded refugee status. This had been the policy for Cubans for many years. We did not see the same outrage we see today related to these immigrants. 2. ICE is carefully selecting Mexican immigrants to send back and the number, compared to the whole, is pretty small. The Obama administration sent more home than any previous administration. The selection process is designed to not harm the economy that is dependent on illegal workers. Mostly agriculture would be harmed but also construction and other industries have dependency on illegal immigrants. Our economy is dependent on the contributions of illegal immigrants to the point there would see a major negative economic impact if all, or most, of the illegal immigrants were sent back. 3. The majority (more than 50%) of the illegal immigrants in this country are not Hispanic.
-
Martha Knight
Being kind to the alien in your midst was a basic standard of decency and part of God's law from Old Testament times, never contradicted by the New Covenant. The actual sin of Sodom, earning the population annihilation, was gross inhospitality. (The concept of sexual orientation was unknown then.)
-
Robert
dont want to live in fear? then come to America thru teh proper channels if not, go back home!
-
Guairdean
If we do not control our borders, we are doomed. If we turn away those in true need, we are damned. There exists a very real and dangerous element that crosses the border each day and our families are at risk from this element. There is also a steady flow of illegal immigrants that are fleeing their homes because their families are at risk. Those that would obey the law, and should and would be welcomed, are hampered and tarnished in obtaining citizenship by those who hold the law in contempt. Tearing apart families is a terrible thing. Whether that tearing is due to deportation, or by the act of an illegal against a natural citizen. If we cannot enforce our immigration laws we are no longer a sovereign nation, we're just a shabby boarding house for whoever wanders in.
-
George Coniglio
If we allow the politics of fear and division to rule our morals .. we are surely doomed.You are repeating Trump Trump talking points....SAD! Look at his conduct... far removed from truth and compassion.
-
-
Clayton Beardmore
Anyone from any country that enters the U.S. illegally (i.e. did not follow our immigration protocols) is an illegal alien (not an undocumented worker) and should face the consequences of breaking the law!!
P.S. Have you seen the immigration laws of Mexico!
-
George Coniglio
We are the United States.. we set a standard and don't allow other Countries to dictate our compassion.Doing what is right prevails. I say NO to hurting people based on what side of a man made border they happen to be standing on.
-
Minister Greg
You're correct Clayton. Break the Immigration Laws of Mexico or any other Country and see what happens to you. Our Responsibility is NOT to take anyone in who doesn't like the conditions in their homeland. Our Responsibility is to help them correct the conditions in their homeland so they can stay home where they want to be. That is what the new Administration is trying to do in Syria by getting rid of the Barbaric Assad.
-
-
Sam
I agree, it is cruel and heartless to tear families apart. Many have been used as working slaves, paid little or no salary. Living in fear that they may be deported. I wonder how many politicians have used undocumented workers. The hypocrisy of it all is shameful. Trump bombing Syria but not taking in refugees. Who are the real criminals? Canada is now taking in people fleeing from Trumps bigoted USA. Karma will catch up to the evil that is happening. How is America great when people are not even wanting to visit. Canadian schools are cancelling trips to the USA because of all the Hate and uncertainty. This is not Gods will. But the will of the people can stop this. Protest, call, write, vote,
-
pastorrichard13
I'm glad that you are ok with your tax dollars paying for illegal immigration Sam, I however am not. We have legal immigration laws for a reason to protect our people and economy. To set the record straight, Trump bombed a Syrian air base not civilian population. Let me ask you a question, was it ok for Assad to gas his own people probably with the help of the Russians? It was the will of the people who finally put someone in the White House who is willing to protect our shores and our people,
-
John Maher
PASTORDICK13,your INTEL must come DIRECTLY from SEAN SPICER who is also a firm BELIEVER in the TRUMP GOD, start changing CHANNELs and LISTEN to the NEWS, tax money, the WALL, POLICE, ICE,OIL PIPELINES, CIVIL RIGHTs, RACISM, by the WAY WHAT is YOUR DENOMINATION PASTORDICK13 ???
-
Jennifer
Such a Christlike attitude John. Don't believe either you or pastorrichard are responsible for the mess the world is in. Perhaps we need to think this through before we start blaming each other for something we didn't do. Jesus once said that the poor will always be amongst us, that emplies to me that there we always be problems in the world that we just can't solve, again this may be one of those situations. So John, your willing to show all this love compassion and understanding to those south of the border, and yet you show no such compassion or love towards your Christian brother.
-
-
Rev. Rene
Pastorrichard, are we still talking about immigrants or about the crappy state of the great American political divide??? This was a discussion about human beings, families, and children brought to the USA when very young who only know this "formerly great" country! Shame on a country who think it's OK to deport a mother and leave her children here. Shame on a country who deports unthinkingly with no regard for every individual situation, ripping people's life's apart as if we are shipping cheese!!! I too am an immigrant, yes a legal one, but I did not come from those situations. Think very hard before you put people down who made a hard choice, to better their lives however they could. Leaving your country of birth, where all your family remains is hard!
-
-
George Coniglio
Thank you Sam. Trump spent 80 million to bomb Syria.. while closing out our borders to children attempting to escape genocide. Sickening!
-
Jason
I help the homeless but wouldn't let them live with me
-
George Coniglio
Is your compassion selective and determined by man made borders?
-
-
Jennifer
I am curious Sam, what exactly is God's will? Since Jesus himself said Give unto Ceasar what is Ceasars, and unto God what is Gods. He also said that we, his followers are to be no part of the world. So, just knowing these two Bible principles, how would you apply that to the debate of illegal immigrants? I could go and on...but this is a much heated and emotional subject. Perhaps, the only real solution to mankinds' problems is Gods, kingdom which were all taught to pray for.
-
-
Larry Copeland
We call our selves followers of Christ what did God put in black and white for us to do with out questioning his authority. Obey Mans Laws. Mans rules are to be obeyed by Gods followers.
-
George Coniglio
Man's laws are often flawed.. Slavery was at one time legal. We must act beyond such restrictions and do what is right.
-
John Maher
MENs LAWs are ALWAYs CORRUPT and MADE for the R I C H, RICH MAN BREAKs the LAWs and NEVER GOES to PRISON, if I was a RICH MAN YIBBABIBBAbbabbibbaa.................
-
-
-
Chris Holloway
Unless your a Native American, your family down the line is an immigrant. That means your a child of a child of an immigrant. America was founded for freedoms that we think we own rights too. I think our founding fathers would be going nuts at the sick ways were treating innagration. Considering they were not born here.
-
Jason
I disagree... We are a country of laws if you break them , You lose the right to be here. By not going through the right channels you break the law of this great nation and you should be forced back
-
George Coniglio
You would be willing to watch a Grandmother be deported while her children and grandchildren watch?
-
-
John Owens
"Native" Americans are immigrants, too. Just saying.
-
Rev. John D. Partin
But, John Owens, the Native Americans have been here a Hell of a lot longer than any of the rest of we immigrants and descendants of immigrants have been here. So, unless any descendants of cavemen could be verified whose families had always been in this country, the Native Americans are the closest that we have to original Americans. That makes it all the more ridiculous for a nation of immigrants to deny and resent other immigrants coming into this country and even expediting some people's entry into the country for political asylum or to escape gangs and violence in their countries. We are many times over more immigrants to the Native Americans than these people are immigrants to us and so should show the same compassion toward these people than we would want to be shown toward us.
-
-
-
Miranda Allison Young
If they are criminals, then they should be deported. Otherwise, leave them alone. They came here to get away from horrendous situations in their own countries. They should not be sent back to that, it is cruel!
-
Clayton Beardmore
They're criminals because they broke the immigration laws and are here in the U.S. illegally.
-
pastorrichard13
Well said Clayton!
-
Timothy Wilson
Just cause man wrote it to be, doesn't mean that it should. Man's law should never attempt to over-stand God's Law. Humanity, being a neighbor, goodwill, etc. We've seemed to live as a whole with in an illusional state of morality in which many of us turn our shoulders when humans cry out for help. If we lived by the standards of The Divine Order...This would have never been an issue. Mankinds ego and willingness at attempting to be god. Thinking individually for the "small group" and not the collective makes this an ongoing and reoccurring issue of the norm. I know the right way, doesn't mean we have to agree, but the order has been written throughout the universe.
-
-
George Coniglio
No! As Ministers we seek truth and compassion. It's not that black and white. Rosa Parks broke the law.. A 20 billion dollar wall is a waste of taxpayer money. Mexico will never pay for it.The solution is a prompt path to citizenship.ll of us came from another place.
-
John Maher
WELL SAID and THOUGHT GEORGE, MINISTERs and PASTORs, YEAH RIGHT !!!
-
Pam
I agree making them citizens. They will then have abide by all our laws and tax paying.
-
Timothy Wilson
What person do you know obeys every law...Try 0%. It's not being trivial. Someone jaywalking across an empty street would be enough to send a packing according to this route...Because use technicalities when it's suitable.
-
-
Minister Kevin
Obama tried that. All they had to do was register, many of them chose not to because it meant they would have to start paying taxes on they money they were making. So I say if you want to live the American dream then do it legally, go back home and get your visa to work here legally. Quit taking the jobs away from Americans or immigrants who came here legally and are helping our economy instead of hurting it. If you come here and take our jobs away for less pay, but no taxes taken out and then send the money back home, then you are not living the American dream, you're squashing it.
-
George Coniglio
SEE FOLLOWING; What does it mean to be a Minister?
It means to make yourself small so that others may feel large.
It means to make yourself a servant so that others may feel their mastery.
It means to give so that those who lack may receive.
It means to love so that those who feel unloved may have someone who never rejects them, someone with whom they can always identify themselves.
It means to hold out your help to those who ask and deserve help, and also to those who do not ask or deserve it. It means always to be there when you are needed, yet never to press yourself on another when you are not wanted.
It means to stay at peace so that those who are contentious will have someone to whom they can turn to stabilize themselves.
It means to keep a cheerful outlook so that those who are easily cast down may have someone to lift them up.
It means to keep faith, and to keep on keeping faith even when you yourself find little reason for believing, so that those who have no faith can find the courage to live.
It means not merely to live a life of prayer, but to turn your prayers into life—more life for you, more life for those to whom you minister.
It means to be God-centered and human-hearted, to involve yourself in man's humanity and to keep your vision on man's divinity—and so draw forth in all around you the human form divine.
It means to share in the great moments of men's lives—in birth and sickness and marriage and death—and at all these times, whether of crisis or of celebration, to bring comfort and a blessing, and above all a sense of a Presence that sometimes we cannot see and of a Meaning that often we overlook.
This is what it means to be a minister of God and a minister to man.
-
Timothy Wilson
If it's the American dream...Then who's nightmare?
-
-
-
-
A surprising number of people seem to still believe that the POTUS runs the U.S. He is an actor, chosen by (s)election, reading his lines and posing for photo ops. Unelected bureaucrats, lobbyists and corporate donors make all the important decisions (aka The Swamp). Believing that political theatre is real allows a corrupt system to continue unabated. Left vs Right, Democrats vs Republicans, Liberals vs Conservatives, Trump vs Clinton are all smokescreens designed to draw attention away from what's really happening. One of the most serious happenings is the steady collapse of the USD through the erosion of it's petrodollar/reserve currency status. A constant parade of boogeymen and the ensuing wars to "free the people" is the inevitable response. Hey!!! Look at North Korea!! OMG, Assad is killing his own people!! WTC 7 collapsed due to a small office fire. A jetliner crashed into the Pentagon on 9/11 without being intercepted by the world's most powerful military. The Iraq Weapons of Mass Destruction story was simply more belief altering bullshit, but Weapons of Mass Delusion (aka propaganda) are real and sadly, very effective in a dumbed down society. Sorry to have also drifted away from the topic, but until disturbing realities are accepted, the downward spiral will continue, with the support (and apathy) of much of the population.