Considering immigration reform as both Christians and citizens
StaffThe following commentary on immigration reform is authored in part by The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention.
The time has come for our nation to resolve its immigration dilemma. It is imperative that we find an acceptable solution to the disposition of the millions of undocumented immigrants living in our nation.
Currently, the two extremes of deportation and amnesty are being played against each other, resulting in a stalemate in Congress. We believe that neither of the two extremes are appropriate, workable solutions. To force those who are here illegally to leave is neither politically viable nor humanitarian. To offer blanket amnesty to those who broke the immigration laws of our country and their own countries is disrespectful of the rule of law. What is needed is a solution that respects the rule of law while at the same time treats undocumented immigrants in the nation compassionately.
As Christians, we acknowledge that we must think through the question of illegal immigration not only as offended, concerned citizens, but also as compassionate Christians. Jesus instructed His followers to love all men, even those who hate them (see Luke 6:27-38). He instructed His followers to meet the needs of those who are suffering (Matthew 25:31-46). The writer of the Book of Hebrews instructed his readers to “show hospitality to strangers” (Hebrews 13:2).
As Christian citizens, we believe God has something to say to us about how our nation deals with this issue. We believe our nation must think about immigration from the perspective of all parties affected. We believe that God sought to teach Israel to think about justice in this way as well. He told His people, “You shall do no injustice in judgment; you shall not be partial to the poor nor defer to the great, but you are to judge your neighbor fairly” (Leviticus 19:15).
The issue of immigration must also be considered from the perspective of the core values of the welcoming nation. God ordained civil government (Romans 13:1-7). He charged it with the responsibility of providing for the security, wellbeing, and protection of the people under its authority. As such, the civil authority has a responsibility to assure that its policies honor this charge from God.
While we are certain that many details must be addressed, we offer below what we consider to be the primary features of a just immigration policy. We believe these features incorporate our nation’s core values and God’s guidance for the treatment of immigrants in a way that respects both the rule of law and the dignity of the millions of men, women, and children who are currently living here illegally.
Secure Borders. We expect any system that is put in place to be able to prohibit illegal entry.
Appropriate and adequate penalties and requirements. If those who are here illegally desire to remain here, they must undergo a criminal background check, pay a fine, agree to pay back taxes, learn to speak, write, and read English and get in line behind those who are legally migrating into this country in order to apply for permanent residence after a probationary period of years. They must also acknowledge and pledge allegiance to America’s governmental structure, the duties of citizenship and our core values as embodied in the Declaration of Independence.
Adequate penalties for those who hire undocumented immigrants. Businesses that hire workers illegally do so for profit. Such businesses should be penalized for their own participation in the encouragement of illegal immigration and breaking the nation’s employment and labor laws.
Paths to legal status. The nation should offer multiple forms of legal status with appropriate requirements for each. We propose that our nation pursue all these avenues simultaneously, such as citizenship, permanent or temporary legal residency, temporary worker, etc.
A dependable worker verification system. The government must provide businesses with a responsive, up-to-date system that enables them to verify a worker’s status within one week.