by Alan Langstaff

Immigration is the international movement of a people to another country, where they do not possess nationality, to settle down as permanent citizens. Immigration, then, is the process by which individuals become permanent residents or citizens of another country. Illegal immigration is the process of doing this without the approval of the country concerned. Thus, many, if not most, countries have immigration laws.

In America today, it has become a serious issue, especially in light of the past. President Biden virtually had an open policy regarding immigration. The result of this has produced tens of millions of unlawful migrants. At the same time, this has prevented people who use the government steps towards immigration, are often held back.

Then, too, one can argue that we need more workers in many industries to get the job done. The result has been a conflict between the government’s ICE program and protests by American citizens. In Minneapolis, this resulted in the death of two protestors who were killed in such conflicts.

One has to recognize that this is no easy matter to resolve.

JESUS & IMMIGRATION

It is worth noting that Jesus, too, was an immigrant. In the days following His birth, His parents, Joseph and Mary, went to Egypt and stayed for a time as immigrants before returning to their original country, living in Nazareth.

IMMIGRATION & SCRIPTURE

Scripture, which covers the time between Abraham and the coming of Jesus, covers a lot of different situations. It is easy to use a particular text to support a particular point of view. For example, Leviticus 19 declares, “And if a stranger dwells with you in your land, you shall not mistreat him. … you shall love him as yourself; for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.” (vs. 33-34 NKJV)

There has been a controversy with Rev. John Piper’s reference to immigration, to which people like Pastor Jack Hibbs of Calvary Chapel, California, responded by saying, “The foreigner who came among the children of Israel was to be treated as converts and not to be mistreated, but to be treated as brothers. In other words, they were expected to assimilate to the Israelites’ religion and laws.”

Now, given the situation, where the Biden administration practiced “Open Borders” and as a consequence, millions of illegal immigrants moved into America, the question arises, “What should we do with the illegal immigrants?”

I planned to write some thoughts on immigration when I received the following article by Dan Juster, an American who also lives in Israel, a gifted leader and teacher. Here is the “Immigration Advice” that Dan proposes.

IMMIGRATION ADVICE

“First let us admit that we are often beyond our pay grades when we weigh in on these issues, but as citizens of a democracy we are to be informed and vote and act on what we understand. So I will give my sense on this.

My Facebook friends are in heated debate on the illegal immigration issue. It might be that the tragic death of two protestors will lead to better policies. I hope so. Many months ago, I put out my own views on the immigration issue. Here is what I have been arguing for or recommending..

1. The open borders policies have been terrible. Over 10 million illegals were added to the more than 10 million illegals that were already in the United States. First we have to admit that they are illegal. Those who are more leftist often leave out the word illegal when they talk about these immigrants..

2. But we have to face reality. We are in the situation we are in. Mass round ups of millions of people in my view is not a good solution. It is not practical. It is cruel, produces back lash and does not solve the problem. Plus we need many for the work they do.

3. We should prioritize removing those who have committed serious crimes, violence, rape, child trafficking, drugs, drunken driving etc.

4. Those sanctuary city leaders who thwart removing criminals should be prosecuted as impeding federal officers doing their duty. Illegals in jails, prisons etc. should be turned over to immigration authorities.

5. The other illegals who are not serious criminals should be required to register. Registered illegals would be permitted to work. A new status can be given to them, temporary resident with work permits to be renewed every so often.

6. E verify would be used so that employers can only hire the registered. Employers would be seriously fined who violate the standard.

7. No welfare for those in this new status or for illegals. The nation can not afford it and it undercuts citizens in need.

8. Those registered who cannot find work have to be sent back to their native countries unless they prove asylum claims.

9. Expand courts with thousands of judges to handle claims for asylum.

10. Give incentives for self deporting.

11. Illegals must not be counted in census figures for representation in congress. This removes political motives to use illegals for going political power.

12. Those who find work and live rightly can find a path for permanent residency but not citizenship. Their children can be considered for citizenship.. This removes another political incentive to use them to gain power.

This will take years to solve. But this is a humane way forward and respects the law.—”

CLOSING THOUGHTS

The “immigration” situation is probably too big a deal for politicians to deal with. Nevertheless, we should –

a) treat them with respect and treat them as the Bible says “as our brothers;”
b) encourage all Americans to stand by the law. We are a nation of laws;
c) pray for God’s grace to be upon all immigrants, legal or not.

FOOTNOTES

I need to point out that I, too, am an immigrant. I came to America in 1980 and received a green card to work over here. I was greatly helped by a Lutheran Church in St. Paul that supported me in my application.

Likewise, I, my wife, and two daughters all became American citizens as well. We have counted it a privilege to be accepted and received in this great country. A country we are proud to be a part.