Justice and Civility in the Immigration Debates
Luder Whitlock
America is a nation of immigrants. Our schools, offices, and neighborhoods now host many ethnic groups with some school districts having more than fifty language groups. My own ancestry, rooted in multiple Northern European countries, bears testimony as well.
Given that, why has immigration become such a hot political issue recently? In some senses it is not new; the previous century saw several immigration flare-ups. Today terrorism, triggering a concern for national security, is undoubtedly a factor, as are the millions of Hispanics who have entered the country illegally and continue to flood across our southwestern border.
Government efforts to solve the problem have so far failed and irresponsible rhetoric continues to inflame much of the populace. As I have observed these developments, two concerns have emerged: justice and civility.
What is fair and just for citizens, illegal immigrants, and those who wish to immigrate to the United States? Is it fair to grant amnesty to those who have entered illegally while denying entry to those who have complied with government regulations? If those who entered illegally are approved, what will that communicate to those who wish to enter in the future? Will it encourage them to disregard the law, finding easier ways to enter and acquire fake documents? If the judicial system winks at these transgressions, will our citizens be encouraged to disregard other laws that are objectionable to them? What will be the effects on the economy if the cheap laborers many farms and businesses have come to depend on are no longer available?
Are there reasonable solutions that also honor the law? Should solutions be directed toward reviewing the number of visas that are authorized as well as expediting issuance? Are we giving sufficient attention to approving the needed number of well-educated, high-skilled applicants to meet current economic demands?
I am also concerned for civility after observing some of the harsh and mean-spirited rhetoric publicly directed toward immigrants. Meanness adds no value to the decision-making process. It often wounds those targeted by it and such wounds can quickly metastasize into lasting hostility and alienation.
Disagreement and opposition are unavoidable, but we have constructive ways to deal with our differences. There is no excuse for intemperate and inflammatory behavior; the damage done by it is unacceptable. We owe others, no matter where they are situated in these debates, respect and courteous treatment. Each one bears the image of God and as such each has dignity and worth. I want that for myself—and for others.
Having been fortunate enough to visit many countries, I am aware that my life has been tremendously enriched through the personal and cultural experiences that global travel permits. Almost always, I have experienced kindness and hospitality—from the Arbat in Moscow to a peasant home in Turkey to a remote village in Indonesia.
I am also aware of the benefit of global ties when I eat in a Thai restaurant, use a European appliance, drink coffee from Central America, or wear clothes made in China. I, in turn, want my nation to be a constructive influence on others, enriching and giving them hope.
We live daily before a watching world. The degree to which we are just and civil in our treatment of non-citizens may well determine how the rest of the world perceives us.
Dr. Luder G. Whitlock, Jr. is Executive Director of The Trinity Forum.
3 Responses (comments are closed) • Provocations, Global Culture, Society, Fri 18 Jan 2008
I would like to add one additional question. Competition for jobs has always created tension between Ethnic groups. When any American worker loses a job because a factory goes overseas, or if legal immigrants from developing countries are hired by corporations to work in America for lower pay, tensions will result. This is natural and understandable. My question then is this, do corporations have an obligation to provide jobs to its citizens for the greater good of our society? Should this be the primary concern instead of the “bottom line” a financial profit?
America is a mosaic of cultures from all over the world. Most that come to America from other countries learn English and adapt to the American way of life, while still celebrating and honoring parts of their ethnic heritage. Our culture is therefore, multi-cultural and displays a range of diversity that should be celebrated.
The church is probably the best example of a multi-cultural, diverse institution. We are baptized as Christians into one body and are identified first Christians and second as Americans. A greater danger is introduced when American nationalism is combined with Christianity. The result is not a biblical view of the church, but an effort to create a “Christian” nation in which minority groups from other religions may be discriminated against.
Most Mexican immigrants come to America to work. They are fulfilling a basic economic function. A guest worker program is a fair solution. It allows workers to come here to do the work they want to while allowing them to do so as documented workers to eliminate a security risk.
We should not allow fear of the values and beliefs of different cultures to drive us to the belief that “american” values are eroding. Rather, we should focus on the value that these groups introduce to our country by bringing new ideas into the great American tapestry. Second, those of use that are christians should not forget that we are part of a greater global community of faith that is not defined by any one nationality, but by a theological creed. This should promote a respect for the rights of those of different religious or even non-religious persuasion in our society.
Charlottesville, VA
on 2008 02 18
This article is right on the mark. The issues are more complex than a sound bite or 30 second political ad can cover. We can’t have things both ways: deriding companies for sending jobs to Mexico, and then wanting to shut our borders to those hoping for a living wage. I’m not in favor of open borders, but I have a hard time resenting a person who comes here to escape grinding poverty- yes, they are breaking the law. We break the law to get to a meeting on time- risking the lives of our fellow drivers. What would we do if our family’s survival depended on us finding work in another country? There must be a thoughtful way to address these issues which allows people to come here to work legally, and return home when their job is over. Mr. Gonzalez ideas may begin to get at some solutions that address security concerns, and demonstrate compassion .
One more thought: For years churches prayed for the advance of the gospel in Mexico and other Hispanic countries. Ironically, the prayer may have been answered by many Mexicans and other Hispanics moving in next door! Now what?