A prominent NYC pastor and long-time advocate for immigrant rights is suing the federal government after she was placed on a federal watchlist for conducting ministry work with migrants south of the border.
Rev. Kaji Dou a, senior pastor at Park Avenue Christian Church in Manhattan, recently participated in a 40-day "Sanctuary Caravan" in Tijuana with faith leaders from across the U.S. Their intent was to call attention to the plight of migrants seeking asylum in America and provide them with pastoral services.
Apparently the government took notice, because leaked documents later showed that Dou a had been categorized as a potential threat to national security and entered into a secret government database. The image on her file was reportedly covered up with a yellow "X," meaning she had been singled out for additional security screening and questioning.
Fighting Back
Dou a has now filed a lawsuit insisting that the Department of Homeland Security and ICE wrongfully included her on the watchlist, violating both her First Amendment rights and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act in the process.
"They interrogated her about her motives," the complaint says. "They interrogated her about her associations. They revealed to Pastor Dou a that they had collected detailed information about her and her pastoral work. And they revoked the access she had previously been granted to expedited border crossing."
Although Dou a was just one of many faith leaders who took part in the "Sanctuary Caravan" event, she was the only one to be detained and then interrogated both at the border and once she returned to New York City in January. Dou a argues that the actions of these government agencies "significantly burdened" her free exercise of religion, which also includes a focus on serving the "least of these."
ICE declined to address the allegations, pending litigation.
Faith Community Lends Support
Rev. Dou a does not stand alone in this battle. She received a signed letter of support from more than 230 clergy members, including top United Church of Christ leadership. "In this country, the government cannot decide to whom we may preach or with whom we may pray," it reads. "We believe we should take a stand and say so together Because, mark our words: If we let them come for some of us now, they will come for all of us in time."
Some speculate this line was in reference to an unrelated trial against a faith-based border activist Scott Warren, who is facing possible prison time for providing humanitarian aid such as food and water to migrants attempting to cross the border illegally.
Religion and Politics Collide
This story is only the latest example of faith beliefs being injected into contentious political debates. The topic of immigration is about as searing as a hot-button issue can get at the moment, with the Trump administration cracking down on illegal border crossings as critics continue to call attention to the horrific humanitarian consequences of such policies.
Some of the strongest objections have come from faith leaders like Rev. Dou a, who insist we have a moral obligation to intervene and help people who are struggling attain a better life or at the very least survive long enough to have a chance at one.
Opponents say that this approach, while clearly compassionate, will only incentivize more border crossings and put increased pressure on makeshift facilities already operating well above their intended capacity. Lacking proper funding, staffing, and attention, the situation could quickly deteriorate on this side of the border, which wouldn't be good for anyone, they argue.
But it still doesn't explain why a pastor performing ministerial services was placed on a government watchlist. The question is, when did it become illegal to be a Good Samaritan?
106 comments
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John A Anderson, CD, CIF Mons ON
Simple point of fact: if a person approaches a border crossing and asks for asylum, they are NOT trying to enter illegally. They are in a grey area at the border, because until the request gets approved, they are technically not allowed in. Bringing them across the border and putting them in camps is actually illegal entry, but they are being forced to do so...
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Lionheart
Bottom line: It seems Kaji was an accomplice of aiding and abetting to a crime, just like being in a get-away car at the scene of a crime, or am I not reading this right?
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Bills Spirit
The article does NOT indicate that Rev. Kaji was aiding and abetting a crime. The article states that she crossed the border legally (in both directions) in order to provide ministry and act as a witness to immigrant situations.
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kimberly
It indicates the spirit of treason.
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Hugh grd
Amen to that
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Bills Spirit
Please explain how providing pastoral services to people from and in other countries indicates the spirit of treason.
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kimberly
Its the motivation and it was to a specific group for the sole purpose of passing information on how to break laws. don't be obtuse.
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Bills Spirit
There is absolutely no proof that Rev. Kaji was advising people on ways to break the law. Her stated purpose in going south of the U.S. border was to advise asylum seekers about the process of applying for asylum. Stop jumping to conclusions that are not supported by actual evidence.
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kimberly
Her stated purpose was to teach how to lie about being asylum seekers. Lies
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David
Excuse me, Kim, but TREASON is explicitly defined in the US Constitution. You should try reading that document some time, because many of your comments, if made by a government employee, could be considered illegal and possibly treasonous. Please read the document before responding.
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Lionheart
That's so kind of her isn't it? I wonder if she is also taking care of pastoral needs to our homeless US citizens and vets when she isn't using up all of her valuable time on those who are not US citizens? It must be a very tough call for her choosing who comes first. Possibly her god is helping her make these difficult decisions of loyalty. It's a tough choice isn't it?
I wonder if she'd be on a watch list if she took care of US citizens? Possibly not! Oh well. Decisions decisions.
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Theda Bara
That is such an ignorant comment! We're talking about a woman of God. I'm sure she has more concern for any person regardless of who they are or where they come from than you do. Re-examine your own racism. You obviously seem to have a problem with people that you determine are less than you and less deserving of humanitarian Aid. And then you like to throw in the veteran or the u.s. citizen card to somehow distract the real point which is if this person or anyone is truly a person of God they care about all people and deal with each situation as it presents itself. They don't sit there and question or judge how another person chooses to serve God or other people.
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Lionheart
I am so sorry for throwing in the US homeless citizen and Vet cards, for one minute I was thinking you were a US citizen, or a Democrat. I can see now why you don't understand. My appologies.
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Catherine Ohrin-Greipp, MSW, ADS, OM
It is amazing how people who are descendants of European invaders actually believe they have more of a right to be here than any indigenous peoples from Turtle Island. No one is illegal on stolen land. That is how we Native People feel about those who are racists and entitled. We laugh at them for being so ridiculous and fearful. If those people don't like it, they are free to return to the home of their ancestors. The asylum seekers are our cousins, whether white supremacists like it or not. They are the ones who should self deport. This is a humanitarian crisis and we should be reaching out to help those less fortunate like the Jewish Jesus preached. We have survived! Don't bother to bash my words..the invitation still stands'..If you are afraid and resentful of brown skinned people, just leave. Immigration laws were written by racists. I agree with Rev Dousa.
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Bruce Sutka
Hallelujah!
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Dennis Starr
You seem to go to great lengths to put all your "letters" behind your hyphenated name to try and impress everyone. "European invaders" are you speaking of those who came here 500 years ago? Or are you next going to convince us that YOUR culture was ALWAYS in this land from the beginning of time? Your entire statement is so convoluted that it is difficult to make any sense from it. You insult European's coming here then claim that "asylum seekers" are your cousins? You are more racist than most and more dangerous because you try and hide behind your ancestry and then use that claim everyone else but you are racist. Your own words prove what you are. .
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sibyltheheretic
Different times, kind of. Indigenous people where killing, enslaving and taking each others lands for thousands of years before Europeans got here. Europeans were acting like any other invading tribe. Naïve liberals always try to rewrite history to portray Native Americans as peaceful farmers. They were not. Is it racist to blame the worlds problems on the evil white man?
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kimberly
Europeans didn't steal anything. Just because the Indians were stupid enough to sell it for a few trinkets isn't our fault. Get over it.
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Gary
Maybe I am confused but aren't you the same person who is usually espousing fundamentalist Christian views? Maybe take another look at Matthew, chapter 25.
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kimberly
I'm not one who thinks Jesus was God.
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Stephanie Willey
Well said and actually correct
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Don Iarussi mfa
this is such an interesting minister sight! Yeah cuz they're criminals they're not asylum-seekers what a bunch of bull crap that is! I've seen these asylum seekers getting money at different places it while i lived in Texas please give me a break free tuition free welfare free medical they're coming here because they want to bankrupt out country and companies that hire them should go to jail like an apartment complex please this isn't a Christian actresses us a bunch of bullcrap next you'll be saying that israel is responsible for unrest in the middle east are not islamic countries! i only want you also as minister saying that abortion is a wonderful thing maybe should be included in like a healthy abortion workout like a daily workout so silly.
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Theda Bara
Isn't it so funny that people who are anti-abortion put such an emphasis on the importance of life and yet these are the same people that when people are in need regardless of what they need but they need something from another human being these are the first people that jump up and say oh no there's not enough to go around we can't help you. But you'll run in front of a truck filled with women who want an abortion because somehow you determine that what is going on in their bodies is more important than the needs of small children and people at the border. That is such a sick thinking. I would consult a psychologist
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kimberly
Trucks filled with women wanting abortions. That's a new and crazier than normal fantasy. Try to tell the truth. Murder of unborns does not equate to maintaining a sovereign nation.
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Don Iarussi mfa
it's funny when i live in mexico i was told i could buy land i wasn't eligible friday special discounts for everything i had to pay for my own doctor visits. O all so that i should be speaking their language which is spanish. Which is actually the language of the conquerors from spain which is pretty funny that they speak the language of the people that conquered them! But when illegals come here they should get everything so in bed. We should be considerate of the fact that they don't speak english. What a joke liberalism is a mental disorder
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Theda Bara
I've met so many educated Spanish people that speak the English language better than you. Please learn how to speak your own language write it and edit it! Then you can make your stupid comments in a grammatically correct fashion.
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kimberly
Again....this person working against the United States should have his/her citizenship and passport revoked.
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Bills Spirit
Nothing in the article indicates that Rev. Kaji is working against the United States.
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Carl Elfstrom
Don't argue with the government about enforcing laws. You will not win.
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Carl Elfstrom
It seems to me that they'd have a much easier time sneaking into other South American countries, so why don't they? Maybe we can gather them up, and take them to another country's border. I bet nobody else has even thought of that yet.
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kimberly
Expand Guantanamo prison
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Theda Bara
No cuz it's a stupid ignorant racist idea. I'm ready to throw up right now excuse me.
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kimberly
That's a bad way to lose weight. Can you add more illiterate inbred hillbilly rhetoric to your resonses please.
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kimberly
In a state of war this action would have resulted in the death penalty
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Bills Spirit
No, it wouldn't.
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kimberly
Treason includes aid and comfort to the enemy.
Article III, Section 3 authorizes Congress to set the penalties for treason, but not to change the definition or create degrees of treason. The federal treason statute, 18 U.S.C. § 2381, mirrors the Constitution’s language and imposes minimum penalties of five years’ imprisonment and a $10,000 fine. A conviction bars the defendant from holding any federal office and carries the possibility of the death penalty.
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Bills Spirit
During a state of war, assisting refugees and asylum seekers is NOT the same as providing aid and comfort to the enemy. Refugees and asylum seekers are not enemies.
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Bills Spirit
Refugees and asylum seekers are not enemies, even during a state of war.
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Lionheart
Don't refugees and asylum seekers seek refuge and asylum in the first country they come to?
Even if they traveled as far as Mexico, isn't there an American Embassy, or a Mexican Embassy, they can seek asylum at. Why continue to travel hundreds of miles causing stress on your whole family?
If some of them are residents of Mexico why are they seeking asylum?
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kimberly
Bill...these people are not seeking asylum nor are they refugees. They are illegally entering the country looking to abuse our immigration laws. Most are rejected.
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Carl Elfstrom
I've heard of some police departments giving certain individuals a ride out of town, and telling them to never come back. They just need a push in the right direction, like to Brazil or Columbia, or some other country over there. They've got plenty of room for them, and they won't even have to learn to speak a new language.
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Theda Bara
Someone should have thought to do that with your relatives. I wish they had.
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Bills Spirit
Incorrect. The common language in Brazil is Portuguese, whereas the common languages in Colombia are Spanish and English.
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Paul Rine
As I do understand the commitment to help our neighbors, there are limits to what the law will allow. Going to Mexico to assist in humanitarian aid for migrant if al well and good. However going there to teach them how to break our immigration laws and get away with it is not. We have laws that are written for a reason, just like the 10 commandments. If wi instruct people on how to break or circumvent those laws, we are no better than the man who covets his neighbors wife or the man who kills another person just because he can.
If you don’t like the way our laws are written that is fine. Go to your politicians to get the laws changed but don’t instruct people on how to break our laws just because you don’t agree.
It is said that when in Rome do as the Romans do. This doesn’t mean you have to agree with it. It weans that you obey the laws of the land that you are in.
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Bills Spirit
Nothing in the article indicates or states that Rv. Kaji was teaching people how to circumvent or break U.S. immigration laws.
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kimberly
Then why was she targeting only illegal aliens. It doesn't have to be spelled out to anyone bright enough to see it.
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Bills Spirit
Considering how bright you are, you surely know that as long as those people are south of the U.S. border they are not "illegal" aliens. They have to cross the border illegally in order to be labeled "illegals." Secondly: Rev. Kaji was targeting asylum seekers, and her stated goal was to help those asylum seekers understand and be prepared for the process of requesting asylum in the U.S. Any statement otherwise is not supported by available evidence. If you have evidence to the contrary, I'd be interested in seeing it.
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Lionheart
They are very possibly illegal aliens in Mexico if they have come from countries further south and have illegally crossed their border. What part of illegal alien do you not understand?
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Bills Spirit
Possibly? So you don't know if Mexico considers them illegal aliens or not, you're just willing to jump to that conclusion. Okay, but why would we in the U.S. even care what label Mexico attaches to these people. These people are showing up at our southern border in order to immigrate to the U.S. or to apply for asylum in the U.S. So, from a U.S. perspective, these people are not illegal aliens, they are immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers.
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Lionheart
I see you wear colored glasses Bill. Would they by any chance be rose colored? Just asking!
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Bills Spirit
There is no information within this article to indicate Rev. Kaji was teaching people how to circumvent or break U.S. immigration law. Additionally, there is no information in the article that indicates Rev. Kaji broke any laws. If she had broken any laws she would most likely have been arrested; as opposed to being placed on a watch list.
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Preacher Man
You are judged by the company you keep. Right or wrong, that's the way it is and you're not going to change it.
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kimberly
yep...it tis what it tis
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John
If I am not able to help then I certainly should not make it worse for anyone. Choose compassion. Show love to everyone.
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Kevin Mccaw
Here in America we have been separating families and putting people in cages and chains since it's inception. The Irish were put in chains and sold as slaves. This is a shameful part of US history. During the Mexican American war, the Irish refused to fight the poor Mexican Roman Catholics who were just like them, switched sides and fought against American tyranny. After the war the US Calvary hung every Irishman they could find from Texas to California. Muslims and Latinos are the new Irish and Italian immigrants. It takes a trained medical professional to differentiate between a man's and woman"s bones. It takes very expensive forensic equipment to establish age of the bones and DNA testing for ethnicity. I bet that you can't tell the difference between Jewish, Muslim, Christian or Atheist bones. We are all God's children.
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Yvette
So true, My great grandmother is Dutch with snow white skin.
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Theda Bara
Thank you. We are all children of the same God. We are all deserving of love and care. There are some of us that still truly live by that belief and feel it in our hearts every day. It's so sad and hurtful that there literally are people in this world that say they believe in God or they are ministers of God but they are selective on who deserves to be loved and cared for. It makes me sick.
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kimberly
Lion....this person is an excellent example of Pentecostal born-again emotionalism. I can see why you would find it off-putting.
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Bills Spirit
I'm not sure how you came to the conclusion that Theda is Pentecostal. Nothing in their comment promoted baptism in the Holy Spirit, evidenced by speaking in tongues, prophecy, healing, and exorcism.
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kimberly
Not pentecostal....."Pentecostal born again". Total emotion....no substance.
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Bill Fox
There is no human right that entitles one person to another person's property, relationship, or life. Asylum seekers do not have a human right to asylum. They have a right to lawfully apply for asylum.
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Theda Bara
Are you for real? That's what they've been trying to do. Have you been watching anything on television other maybe than Fox? Yeah and I bet your relations just showed up on a boat however many years ago when they showed up. Unless you're Native American you're an immigrant too and years and years ago there were no immigration laws so people just unlawfully showed up at the waters or borders of this country. Very few people before the last 70 years came here legally anyway. So please stop. Read your own history.
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Yvette
The people have the power to vote racist Trump out! #peoplepower
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kimberly
How'd that work for you in 2016?
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A druid
Applying for asylum is different than applying for immigration. Teaching people to perjure up a loophole is itself illegal. Illegal aliens are not undocumented workers. We americans welcome those who immigrate legally because they wish to become americans. Sneaking across the border is not immigration, it is surrepticious invasion. Just to define terms. Now you may proceed.
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kimberly
Remember the Alamo.
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Bills Spirit
Remember the Maine!
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Hugh grd
LA homeless is shameful. Portland oregon homeless situation horrible.Seattle is dying documentary shows where the aid is needed. 50 shootings in Chicago over the weekend. Charity should begin at home.I question the motives and sanity of not helping our own children.
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Bills Spirit
L.A., Portland, Seattle and Chicago all have multiple churches and NGOs that provide charity, aid and pastoral services to their respective populations. Also, tens of thousands of American churches provide financial support to missionaries working in other countries. How is it that one individual from NYC choosing to minister to people in and from another country is somehow questionable?
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Lionheart
The problem is that the god in their heads is misdirecting where charity begins, but it's hard to fathom how the mentally ill really thinks
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Hugh grd
Amen to that. The one preist that was escorting the young boys over I'm sure they are alter boys today. Sickos.
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Theda Bara
I have personally first-hand met more polish and Irish folks that overstayed their visas illegally to remain in this country for years than illegal brown people. They got jobs off the books had families that went to Public Schools and they didn't pay taxes to receive those benefits. I even grew up with these people. Why aren't we talkin about those people? Why are we having raids on just brown people? Somehow or other they are different. Could it because their skin is white? Again there are people in this country that need to examine their own racist beliefs. You're making me sick.
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kimberly
Cockroaches come in all colors. Take a pill and stop trying to fake concern over a situation you know nothing about.
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Theda Bara
So many sick Too Faced supposedly God loving people and not enough time to insult you all. Bless your ignorant Souls!
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Secretary3rd
Another leak it seems that if everyone who happens to be on one of the secret leaked papers made up by someone in a back room of a building that no one can find with an address that happens to be in a black out spot on the city map that is another secret paper that is for only certain eyes to see.. It like having my phone tapped by an agency that no one knows where it is by people who collect pay checks from an secret account set up dead people long ago. Except that I know where they are in a building that stands in the middle of a corn field that a sign says is a weather station which in fact is spying on everyone who has a cell phone. Or is it?
Why don't the migrants seek asylum in Mexico?
Why should they? That is like asking why your ancestors didn't seek asylum elsewhere.
If they were just seeking asylum they would not traverse two other countries to get to the US border. They are coming to get the free stuff promised to them by the Democrats. Some of them are coming because some liberal American traitors went to their country to get them and help them sneak into the US illegally. Asylum is different than just coming here to get a job or get on welfare. Asylum.
Requesting asylum is a 100% LEGAL process, regardless of how anyone enters the United States, so please get your facts correct before you call compassionate Americans traitors for helping people with a legal process.
Not when they cross the border illegally
The law is that they cross the border and immediately turn themselves in and ask for asylum. Then a judge decides. THAT is the law. Separating families and locking them up in dog kennels is illegal, immoral, inhumane, and un-Christian.
David get YOUR facts straight. If you go over there with the intention of helping someone break the law your wrong and should be on a watch list. These people are NOT being held in cages like dogs.
Recruiting voters
Republicanos better recruit some new voters. All the old ones are dying off. Maybe cheating and depriving the lower classes of their right to vote will stave off the inevitable decline, but it won’t serve them forever.
Oh God please stop. You're spouting such b******* that it hurts my eyes to even read it. Why don't you go back to where you came from? Why don't you start questioning why your relatives crossed land or an ocean probably to get here? And not one person showed up to this country thinking oh yeah I'm going to go there and work really hard . Stop it every time people got off a boat at Ellis Island they were hoping there was something they could get and not have to work too hard like back in the old country. Every single person that showed up in this country was hoping they'd have a better life and usually that means they wouldn't have to work hard with their hands for hours on end like they did in the Old Country wherever that So please stop. Stop making other people feel like they're not worthy of what your family apparently was worthy of having. Everyone is worthy of having a good life. So please stop just stop.
When Omar was told to go back to where she came from the liberals had a stroke. My family came here after the civil war legally, through Ellis Island, and worked very hard as farmers. When the facts are against you personal attacks are always good. I love Theda Bara, can you choose another pseudonym?
Democrats have been the party of slavery since before the civil war. Segregation and manipulation of the minority vote by promising free things. From cell phones to crack to reparations. Bringing in more minorities, illegally, is consistent with the history of the Democratic party.
Sibyl, please don't tell me they all had a stroke. They will all be trying to decimate our medical system wanting free medical by blaming their condition on our wonderful President.
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Because there are more freebies in the USA.
I didn't seek asylum here, I legally immigrated with my family after interviews at the American Embassy. I had to show them all my financial details to show I would not become a burden on the economy. All my family had extensive health checks to ensure we wouldn't be bringing into this country any unknown diseases, or become a burden on the health system. I had to show all my academic qualifications to show I would be bringing value to the USA and to show I had employment waiting for me. My family and I had to show we could all speak the national language of English. I also had to take a test in USA history.
Having passed all these legal requirement we were welcomed into the USA with open arms. I suppose I can now expect my taxes to help pay for all these illegal aliens who want to bypass the legal requirements. If I went away on vacation and came back to find a family had illegally broken into my home and was living in it, I doubt I'd be expected to take care of them and pay to keep them there. But who knows? Democrats night soon be changing squatters rights as well soon, as long as they don't squat in their home.
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Hey bud, the U.S. does not have a national language, never has it been otherwise. When it was considered a req to speak english it was also the age of white supremacy and was an unjust way to behave to people.
Likewise your talking immigration. The article is about asylum seekers. I know its something that some seem confused by but there is a serious difference between the 2.
Finally a ministers duty is to minister to all. Not based on region, culture, or skin color, and we who take our ministry with the ULC seriously should be siding with a minister unjustly persecuted by the government that is again at the moment controlled by white nationalist scum.
Fun fact in nevada where I live, both during the heat of summer, and the bitter cold of winter police cant oust squatters as its tantamount to murder. Nor should we who consider ourselves human see it as better for homes to sit empty and unused when there are people in dire need. If anything we should encourage the property hoarders to have to offer such spaces as charitable contributions for tax breaks rather then allow them to write off empty properties as losses.
Ultimately we must recognize that the attitude of first come first serve is a false one. The history of humanity is one of constant migration and cultural blending. To resist it is to resist that which lead to human civilization developing and our species great works and accomplishments.
A nation that claims to be the most wealthy and powerful, that calls itself the leader of the free world, and a land of freedom and prosperity to prove these things true and uphold such ideals must with open arms welcome those in dire and desperate situations, and not hold our arms up in fear shying away from the unknown.
There is no white supremacy......there IS white majority.
the numbers are changing. Not counting them (the Census) won't change the fact. Lack of enforceable employment card-check for two generations has led to this situation. America's traditional love of cheap, pauper labor that can be looked down upon socially, and exploited economically, has led to this situation, which will not be resolved easily-many, many people of color are here, as equal citizens as you. The genius of the Constitution is that it preserves minority rights in the face of majority rule. Time to reacquaint oneself with that, as your particular skin color or religion may no longer be the one of the majority.
May we all find that better day.
I don't deal in "might be".
The numbers have changed already. That's why the white people are s*** scared right now and they're doing everything they can to make sure people with even the slightest bit of brown in Their Skin don't have the power that eventually they will have anyway. So any white people in this country that don't like that fact will probably have to reconsider whether they want to stay here or not if they don't like people with brown skin running the show
I'm not racist, but after that chimp show of 8 years I'm starting to think differently about it. ?
Lion.......holy crap! You read my mind.
Yea, “America’s” official language is...Algonquin? Chippewa? Naragansett? Mohegan?
ricky......it certainly isn't Spanglish. English is universally spoken in the United States. I've lived all over and that's what it is. While it is not officially that, it is UNOFFICIALLY that.
Mexico is the place they are seeking asylum from. Are we on the same page?
False. They are coming from countries south of Mexico.
What's the difference? They all resemble each other, speak the same language, have basically the same customs, and eat basically the same food. And haven't you heard of the South American refried beans farting contest? It's a big event over there. The winner wins a lifetime supply of Rosarita Refried Beans, imported from the U.S.A.. Ole!
When I lived on the border I loved to eat beans and chili's. I could look down the mountain from my front yard and see Mexico, new Mexico and Texas. The difference between Mexico and Texas was obvious.
Those countries south of Mexico resent being stripped of their national identity and have pride and prejudices of their own. They do not all resemble each other. They do not eat the same food--coastal vs inland and then there's other differences... They need to seek asylum in the nearest country to them otherwise it's an illegal entry. It is a very complicated issue, but the law is the law.
Actually not. The migrants are now coming mostly from Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. And they do not speak Spanish. They speak Mayan (indigenous native) languages that even Mexicans can't understand. This problem could easily be solved with a slight change in US foreign policy to promote jobs and stability in Central America. But there is no profit in that for He Who Shall Not Be Named.
throwing money at dictorships in south America is not in the best interest of this country. Fortunately, we have a president who understands this.
The US gave hundreds of millions of dollars a year to these countries for decades. The corrupt governments, just like Puerto Rico, embezzled and wasted the money instead of spending it on their people.
Exactly.