photo by Omar Gonzalez
Undocumented person's crossing borders put themselves in mortal peril, many have died in the desert with no food and water. They are taken advantage of by smugglers. Cartels run illegal drugs from the borders. Yet many traverse these dangers because the situations they find themselves in are dire. There has never been a more important time to increase the number of immigrants that may come into the United States and seek to participate in our country in lawful and orderly ways. At a time when we are seeing a great need for assistance for refugees and asylum seekers (wars in Middle East, unrest in Central America, droughts in many parts of the world) the Trump administration is slashing refugee resettlement. Persecution of religious minorities is at an all high as more countries become authoritarian and violate human rights. There is a greater need now for refugee resettlement than ever before.
Yet, the Trump administration has said the country will admit 30,000 refugees in 2019. Close to 70,000 were admitted in 2015. From 1990-95 the US admitted 112,000 refugees. Why is Donald Trump cutting down on refugee settlements at a time when the need is so dire. Why has the Trump administration called on an end to "chain migration" another legal immigration avenue. There is nothing illegal about either our refugee resettlement program or family based migration. Both have had positive impacts on our economy and diversity over the years. Immigration is a long standing tradition in our country. Economist have pointed out that as more citizens of the United States retire, the labor force has grown in part because of immigration. The United States continues to have historically low unemployment and labor shortages. Immigration fuels the economy, to the tune of $72 billion a year. "Immigrants grease the wheels of the labor market by flowing into industries and areas where there is a relative need for workers, where bottlenecks or shortages might otherwise damp growth." (Bush Institute).
Finally, why has the president called for an end to the 14th amendment, birth-rite citizenship, a 150 year tradition that has assisted assimilation of immigrants in our country? Even as a suggestion, this should alarm any freedom loving patriot. While the President cannot with the swipe of a pen undue an amendment to the constitution. how can this patently unconstitutional idea even have any traction with anyone who knows and loves the constitution of the United States. I support the rights immigrants to have their asylum claims in a humane manner, and most importantly upholding our constitution and the rule of law. Over turning the 14th amendment will undue one of our countries finest legacies. This alarming rhetoric should be a concern to Christians who in particular understand the biblical mandate to welcome the stranger and give equal rights to the immigrant (Exodus 22:21, Exodus 23:9, Hebrews 13:2).
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