First of all, Jesus has called us to have mercy – to the measure we show mercy we will receive it (Matt. 5:7). So, our attitude towards undocumented immigrants must first be that of compassion, as the legislation we back as Christians should be real solutions to our broken system–not to make it harder on others, illegal or otherwise. We know we need immigration reform. This is obvious…but reform needs to take place with the governing hand of compassion.

We must also remember that immigration as a whole has always been a good thing for our country, not a bad thing. If we fix our system, we will be able to enjoy the benefits of immigration as a society and the good impact it has on our economy.

Here is the Democratic Party platform on the topic:

 

1. Stop illegal trafficking, and create a more secure border with better technology and increased personnel.

2. Stop the ineffective raids, which only work to separate families and cost money (compassion) and have proven to be very ineffective.

3. Crack down on the employers who are taking advantage, paying low wages and mistreating undocumented workers.

4. We have a broken system – the red tape is so thick it is practically impossible to do things legally for immigrants who want to! Part of the Democrats’ plan is to make it easier for people to enter legally and apply for citizenship by following our laws/rules, and to make it possible for those who are already here illegally to apply for status and begin living here legally. By giving incentive to do it the right way instead of vice versa, we will be on our way to creating a better system.

5. To work with Mexico in developing their economy – this is the main reason for the problem, so why not work with others at the root of the issue? We must have compassion for and work with Mexico.

These goals line up with ours as Christians. The prejudice exhibited against those who are undocumented Mexican immigrants is disgusting. If we do not show love, compassion and kindness and instead show hatred and prejudice, then according to Jesus we are committing murder (Matt. 5: 21-22).

Democrats in general do not stand for English-only legislation. This goes against what we stand for as a country – freedom. Our families, at some point, have all been immigrants to America, unless you are Native American, and came here with their own culture and language.
A final thought on this, and what America is all about, from our Statue of Liberty…
“Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”

Scriptures reflecting the values:

Lev. 19: 9-10
‘When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the alien. I am the Lord your God.”

Lev. 19: 33-34
“When an alien lives with you in your land, do not mistreat him. The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born. Love him as yourself, for you were aliens in egypt. I am the Lord your God.”

Num. 15: 15
“The community is to have the same rules for you and for the alien living among you; this is a lasting ordinance for the generations to come. You and the alien shall be the same before the Lord.”

Deut. 24: 17
“Do not deprive the alien or the fatherless of justice, or take the cloak of the widow as a pledge.”

Zech. 7: 10
“Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other.