In many ways I wanted to write this as if it could not only be written 20 years ago or 20 years into the future, but also to be applied in any country in the world. People in your country can have these kinds of attitudes towards immigrants too, right? Unfortunately, in all cultures and countries immigrants have been seen as a burden and a thread. It is the Christian faith and Bible which requires us to uniquely treat immigrants differently than the world. Here I satirize our non-Christian attitudes in that regard.
I like many have been praying fervently through this as people in my own circle are conflicted as to who we are as God’s children. I have been waiting for you to write about this elephant, bravo
We have a long history of scapegoating and demonizing immigrants in this country. The irony is that we need robust levels of immigration for our communities to flourish. Also, as you've already noted, immigrants (including undocumented immigrants) commit less crime than native-born Americans.
Indeed. Of course, for a Christian, even if immigrants were not helping us flourish, and even if they committed MORE crime than the native-born, then we would still be required by the command of Christ to not scapegoat or demonize them (and of course, we're also commanded to visit people in prison, where the foregone conclusion is that they have committed crimes.)
But like you said, even if you're not a Christian those things are not true--so it's sort of double-binding in logic. Wish logic worked more with people though ;-)
Yeah the fact that immigrants commit crimes at a lower rate than non-immigrants means the point is taken but kind of obvious. And of course in seasons of increased immigration crime has actually fallen. Should criminals be prosecuted? Sure. Of course. But that's not the real issue here--I'm speaking of the ATTITUDE we who follow Jesus have to immigrants in general.
So glad for what IC is doing and the way we've been able to partner in all that... cheering it on now!
Thanks David for providing an historical snapshot an a current and important issue. I was wondering if President Trump is one of your subscribers?
In many ways I wanted to write this as if it could not only be written 20 years ago or 20 years into the future, but also to be applied in any country in the world. People in your country can have these kinds of attitudes towards immigrants too, right? Unfortunately, in all cultures and countries immigrants have been seen as a burden and a thread. It is the Christian faith and Bible which requires us to uniquely treat immigrants differently than the world. Here I satirize our non-Christian attitudes in that regard.
I like many have been praying fervently through this as people in my own circle are conflicted as to who we are as God’s children. I have been waiting for you to write about this elephant, bravo
Thanks for reading--yeah these are difficult days as we sort out who we are, eh?
I did address this "elephant in the room" last month but in a different way, giving some tips for those who are concerned on how to prepare:
https://daviddrury.substack.com/p/how-us-immigrants-and-friends-might
We have a long history of scapegoating and demonizing immigrants in this country. The irony is that we need robust levels of immigration for our communities to flourish. Also, as you've already noted, immigrants (including undocumented immigrants) commit less crime than native-born Americans.
Indeed. Of course, for a Christian, even if immigrants were not helping us flourish, and even if they committed MORE crime than the native-born, then we would still be required by the command of Christ to not scapegoat or demonize them (and of course, we're also commanded to visit people in prison, where the foregone conclusion is that they have committed crimes.)
But like you said, even if you're not a Christian those things are not true--so it's sort of double-binding in logic. Wish logic worked more with people though ;-)
Yes, exactly right - as Christians, we have to go beyond the utilitarian arguments, and honor all people as image-bearers of God.
well said
I have often contemplated that I follow a King who was an immigrant refugee. And his parents were following a heavenly order to flee to Egypt.
Hence my WHOLEHEARTED support for Immigrant Connection. Legally helping those in asylum status limbo.
I also support deporting folks who come here illegally who commit crime.
Wishful thinking:
- making Congress take some leadership and upgrade our immigration laws, fix the dreamers limbo status and so much more.
- making Churches supportive of networks such as IC to legalize folks under current statutes. Feed them and clothe them while at it
Yeah the fact that immigrants commit crimes at a lower rate than non-immigrants means the point is taken but kind of obvious. And of course in seasons of increased immigration crime has actually fallen. Should criminals be prosecuted? Sure. Of course. But that's not the real issue here--I'm speaking of the ATTITUDE we who follow Jesus have to immigrants in general.
So glad for what IC is doing and the way we've been able to partner in all that... cheering it on now!