Today in America there is a movement underway to locate immigrants here 'illegally' and to deport them. This saddens me. In fact, I really dislike the term 'illegal immigrant.' How can that made of God, with the light of God therein, be called 'illegal?' I can't help but think that this is merely racism at work--afterall, those being deported are people of color, from South America, Africa and Asia. Racism is wrong, and it's evil.
A year ago I heard a white college age person from Los Angeles--and a wealthy family--complain of the number of 'illegal immigrants' undermining health care in the area by seeking 'free' medical care at local hospitals. He explained, that in his observation, these folks were just looking for free care at his expense, and that those who 'really needed it' would not have it available because of the immigrants 'taking advantage of the system.' Where to start with this?? Well, I think it best to point out that if the so called Third World had better health care, perhaps these folks would not be seeking it elsewhere. And what of the right to health care--good health care? Should it only be available to the wealthy, or to Americans born here, or only to white Americans? Where does his specious argument lead and end?
Which brings me to a simple thought: The Parable of the Good Samaritan. You know the story. A traveler is beaten along the road, and though needing help, is passed by people who should have known better. Along comes a stranger, and the stranger helps the man, even finds a place for him to stay, paying the bill in advance! The point of the story, besides the moral imperative of humans helping humans based upon need and nothing more, is that the Samaritan who helps the stranger was helping a foreigner, and treated him as his neighbor. So, we ask, who is our neighbor? Everyone is our neighbor, and everyone is to be treated as such.
As to the rounding up and deporting of foreigners, let me remind us all that Nazi Germany did just this same thing not so many years ago. That led to much worse. When we reduce another human being to being just 'the other' and no longer see them as our neighbor, we will rationalize our actions and justify them in the name of nationalism, patriotism, and economic need (or blame), committing just about any crime against humanity. And this is wrong, and it too is evil.
The Biblical addage still rings true--love your neighbor (don't arrest and deport them). I call you my readers to speak out against this injustice.
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The Washington Post currently has a series on detained immigrants who are denied healthcare. Well worth reading.
As far as "love thy neihgbor"? I am unschooled in the Bible, but isn't that our biggest challenge? If WE can do that, we will achieve heaven on earth. No one will be hungry.
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