Immigration

I am unhappy with much of the discourse I am hearing on the subject of immigration. Congress is currently trying to pass immigration reform legislation, but it has been very difficult. There is a widespread belief that our country is being overwhelmed by immigrants, particularly from Mexico. Many powerful voices are calling for expulsion of undocumented immigrants, with penalties for those who assist them. These proposals go with a strong push to "secure the borders," even if it means building a seven hundred mile fence.

What troubles me about this is the loss of any kind of historical memory among us. Have we forgotten that virtually every person in the United States is either an immigrant or the descendent of immigrants? My own ancestors first came this way in the 1720's, fleeing some sort of oppression in Germany. The very idea of "America" is that of freedom and opportunity attained at the cost of leaving one's home. I don't doubt that my early American ancestors were "undocumented," and that they aroused suspicions and hostility. I am just glad they made the move!

Let me try to throw some theological light on this. The Bible story begins with immigration!
Abraham and his clan picked up and left their home in Ur (modern Iraq) and headed to a land that held a great promise for them. . They were moving because God was calling them to move. Later, when God was delivering the Israelites from Egypt and slavery, they would constantly be reminded that they were strangers, wanderers, sojourners, even as they settled into a new home. In the New Testament there are references to God's people as aliens, in exile from their true home in heaven. People of faith should have no discomfort with immigrants; spiritually, it is who we are!

Unquestionably there are many legitimate political issues to be resolved during this debate. I pray for our leaders to make a wise and just decision. I hope we can stay away from arguments about "them" in contrast to "us." At stake is what it means to be American.