I was reading LaShawn Barber’s site this morning where she addressed this issues as it was presented recently in the Washington Post. First, I’ll give you an excerpt of the article and second I’ll provide you with LaShawn’s comments.
Then you will hear from me 
!
Evangelical Christians say the issue of illegal aliens in the United States often creates a conflict between their allegiance to the Gospels and their loyalty to the government.
“On one hand, they really want to minister to people, but on the other hand, [illegal aliens] have broken the law — and that’s a problem for people,” said John Clifford Green, a senior fellow at the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life…
“Evangelicals have had so much success evangelizing among immigrants that they have a real sympathy with those communities,” (source)
LaShawn’s take:
Back to matters of faith. It is not the government’s job to show “Christian†compassion to illegal aliens, nor is it my commission as a Christian to excuse the behavior of illegal aliens simply because the Bible teaches that I must be kind to them. There is no conflict. Kindness entails more than just feeding people and providing comfort in times of need. It’s also about holding people accountable and encouraging them to make amends for their wrongdoing, to alleviate the suffering they’ve caused others. Why don’t I ever read a Christians-and-illegal-aliens news story that mentions the moral and legal obligations of Christ-following illegal aliens? What am I the only one being chastised? (source)
For starters, there is not one passage of scripture that condones stealing. What do I mean by stealing? Instead of following the immigration process in this country, these individuals willingly choose to circumvent our laws (may I remind you that countries such as Mexico has similar laws that they do enforce on their illegals) to create a life for themselves on taxpayer dollars that are not allocated for them. Monies that should go to things like the improvement of our schools and assisting our own poor population get re-routed to things like providing health insurance, education and other programs related to their plight. What we are left with is a poorly managed government that operates a budget on perception and not principle. In short, we are taking care of another country’s problems.
If a person wishes to judge the generosity of America based on this one issue, I would suggest reading this article that describes how we lead the world in generosity (the only thing this article leaves out is the thousands upon thousands of American lives that have been lost due to war for the freedom of other countries). I bring up this article for two reasons: 1. People tend to have very short memories, and 2. In regards to showing kindness to foreigners, I think we have a long history of doing this.
As far as scripture goes, I’ll provide you with the same passage LaShawn posted:
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. - (Romans 13: 1-4)
Christians who suggest that the only way illegals can become converts is by coming to America buy into the “God lives only in America” mindset. This mindset is haughty and prideful at best. While God has greatly used this country to spread the gospel message throughout the world, new converts never required American citizenship to stay “saved”.
Christians who feel compelled to spread the gospel should also adhear to scripture when Jesus said the following:
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.†(Matthew 28:19-20)
Notice the first word of this passage - “GO“. Illegals from South America have to make a long and very dangerous trek across mountains and deserts to get to this country. How about show them real compassion by saving them the trip and GO to their village? While you are down there, spend some of YOUR MONEY by helping them to improve their quality of life. Encouraging folks to break the law by coming into this country illegally, giving a blind eye to ID theft (Something that is rampid in the illegal community. Really think about this one. What of the individuals who IDs have been stolen resulting in bad credit?) or remaining silent when you see your tax dollars being misappropriated while government programs designed to get individuals in this country out of poverty go unfunded is not a mechanism for spreading the gospel.
I submit that the apposing POV also have Biblical bases. Not based on pride but on mercy, and humility:
Micah 6:8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?
While justice demands that they all be shipped as soon as they are found, the scripture allow for mercy. And I think there is a case for mercy given the circumstances. If it where me and I had to choose between feeding my family and breaking a law, I would say, it depends on the law. Killing somebody, a definitely No; Stealing, maybe; Hopping fence to find work, absolutely.
To the extent that they are a drain on American resources, it is only because they lack status. If they where given status, they could pay into the programs from which they benefit.
Lastly, Let’s face it. They DO contribute to the economy. If this where not true they would NOT be here. Most of the time they are not taking jobs from citizen, the places where they are, they employers would be forced to raise wages, giving citizens a chance to compete on a level playing field for those jobs. And all things being equal a citizen in most cases is more attractive than a migrant.
Taking all of these together The US can afford to be (and in my opinion should be) merciful, and still be within the bounds of scripture.
Thank you for your comments.
After reading the full context of the scripture you mentioned here, I see no relation to government or obeying authority. (Click here for the actual context)
When “Tookie” Williams was sentenced to be executed, many folks believed that the system should show “mercy” by reducing his sentence to life in prison. There were also numbers of people who believed that “mercy” should be demonstrated by setting him free altogether. Which is mercy?
I pose this question to you because the argument you have presented here leaves gaping holes for interpretation. What may be considered “mercy” to you may be considered injustice to someone else.
As this relates to the issue at hand, again no where in scripture will you find the Lord encouraging believers to break the natural laws of government for the purpose of spreading the gospel.
As far as just giving them “American status”, we have a process for that–its called LEGAL immigration. The worst thing that the illegal population could have done in recent years was to take to the streets of America to demand for status. Once a person decides to break the law, sorry but they have given up any rights to demand for anything. .
As far as mercy goes, not only do I refer you to the link in this post, but the numerous times America has aided South American countries and still they remain mostly corrupt.
Lastly let me say this (because I meant to include this in the post). Like you mentioned, if I was forced to make a decision to live in poverty or jump the fence, like many others I would probably jump the fence. Wanna know why? Because as long as it is known that the American government is not only going to look the other way, but make a way for me to get “free” healthcare, “free” education, and “free” housing, why not (I would be foolish not to do it)? IT STILL DOES NOT MAKE IT RIGHT!!! I committed a wrong and deserve every right to be punished for it. Oh sure, I will be the first to tell you what I did was wrong and that the US has every right to kick me out. But the one thing I will not do is to try to make the sorry case that America has the moral obligation to take care of me knowing full well that it is my own government that needs fixing. If America was to tighten its borders, it would force these individuals to organize and do something to fix the government in their own nation (they certainly showed their ability to organize back in May of last year). By leaving our borders open, we rob them of that opportunity creating a dependent class.
Duane,
Everything you said is true. But it doesn’t negate my argument. Mercy by definition is injustice as far as it is NOT justice.
After reading the full context of the scripture you mentioned here, I see no relation to government or obeying authority.
That is because it is not. It is about the duty of God’s people. And that is both justice AND mercy.
Your Tookie analogy does not follow because Tookie committed crime so he would not have to find an honest living. The illegal immigrants broke the law so that they could. I am not saying they don’t deserve to be sent back. The Law is clear about that, but given the circumstances under which they broke the law and considering the other pragmatic factors I noted in my last comment (namely the contributions they do make to the economy) and considering the logistical problems associated with rounding up 11, million people and returning them to there country of origin, I can say “let them stay”, and still feel fine about it as a Christian.
I am not excusing, or offering absolution. Those found guilty of other crimes while here should, be deported, and not allowed back. Back taxes should be paid. Firm dates for there departure should be set (assuming there status is guest worker) And any seeking permanment residency should leave and re-enter through normal channels.
You are correct, the US is not obliged to take care ever “tired, poor and huddled mass” that wonders across our borders, but to the extent that they are here, and for the reason they are here, we can give them a break.
“The illegal immigrants broke the law so that they could.”
By definition, an illegal immigrant is someone who has cross the line (pardon the pun) of a certain set of boundaries. Regardless of the reason, this person is a law breaker and needs to be treated accordingly. If someone were to break into my house and lay in one of my kid’s bed –and there reason was because they wanted to keep warm, they will see my brand of MERCY.
Your Tookie analogy does not follow because Tookie committed crime so he would not have to find an honest living
If you were to listen to his supporters, he was “forced” into a life of crime because the racist American system kept Negroes like him out of it. Again, “mercy” becomes realative in his case.
Realistically, I do not think that it is possible to hunt down every illegal person here in the US and deport them. My opinion is that we should “plug up” this leaky faucet (known as the border), put the remaining illegals on a plan that has them paying taxes while they are here, and most importantly, like any other person who want citizenship, put them through a background check. Until that is done, there is no argument out there that can convince me that poor edcation our kids are getting out here in CA should be considered as a “greater good” sacrifice.
If you were to listen to his supporters, he was “forced†into a life of crime because the racist American system kept Negroes like him out of it.
I never believed such drivel. I don’t think you do either. I am surprised that you referenced it.
My opinion is that we should “plug up†this leaky faucet (known as the border), put the remaining illegals on a plan that has them paying taxes while they are here, and most importantly, like any other person who want citizenship, put them through a background check.
on this you and I agree. And once they have status. They can be tracked and taxed, and most of the negatives of having them here will no longer exist.
Oh we can find them if we choose to. The problem with illegal immigration lays at the feet of the employers. How many times have you gone into a restaurant and the bus boy doesn’t speak English. How many of the migrant workers of farms are illegal. If you fine some of these employers then you restrict the immigrants ability to work. Just like with the war on drugs aim at the right targets and the problem will be fixed.
Oh I’m sorry I didn’t stay on topic. Here is the thing. It is God that shows grace and mercy. The Ameican government is not God nor is it Christian.
Saudia,
Because God showed us (Christians) mercy, he expect us to show mercy also. Being that The US has a government of, by and for the people it is WELL within its capacity to to show mercy AS A NATION if it is the will of its people. And I as a person and citizen of this Nation can support this mercy without compromise to, and I will dare say because of, my Christian beliefs.
I like how you put Christians in parenthesis as though God has only shown mercy to Christians. Anyway, I digress. The government is just that the government. It should enforce the laws that it has and create new laws to protect us. Mercy is not in the equation. If the government is so merciful then let’s open the doors of the prisons if they all say they are sorry.
I like how you put Christians in parenthesis as though God has only shown mercy to Christians. Anyway, I digress. The government is just that the government. It should enforce the laws that it has and create new laws to protect us. Mercy is not in the equation. If the government is so merciful then let’s open the doors of the prisons if they all say they are sorry. Now that is what I call mercy
I like how you put Christians in parenthesis as though God has only shown mercy to Christians.
In general God shows mercy everyone. The sunshines, and the rains fall on the just and unjust. We all benefit from some form of God’s mercy. But when I speak of the mercy that God has shown the Christian, it is the mercy of salvation. Anyway my emphasis on the word Christians was to highlight what perspective I was coming from. Not to say that God shows no mercy to anyone else.
It should enforce the laws that it has and create new laws to protect us. Mercy is not in the equation.
That is absolutely NOT so. The Government shows mercy all the time. You never got off from a speeding ticket with just a warning? That’s mercy. Parole is mercy. Ever file your taxes late, even by one day ? I have. IRS never came down on me, they didn’t even mention it. That’s mercy. I would hate to live in a country that was devoid of mercy. Sometimes people make mistakes and sometimes people have mitigating circumstances (I think thats a legal term). I will even go as far to say that you can not even have a just society unless that society practices mercy.
If we as people have a capacity for mercy, than a Government by, for and OF the people should have that same capacity. Within reason.