I am writing to share some reflections on the current discourse surrounding immigration in our country.
While part of our history is defined by waves of immigration, there is a stark contrast in how we currently perceive immigrants. On the one hand, immigrants are recognized as resilient, ambitious, and determined newcomers who bring skills, contribute to the economy (including our local workforce), and enrich our culture. On the other hand, we see them portrayed in dehumanizing ways—described by our President as “poisoning the blood of our country,” “stealing jobs,” “eating our dogs and cats,” “criminals,” “illegal monsters,” “garbage”.
History shows that atrocities often result when we dehumanize others.
You would think we have learned something by now.
This situation raises a fundamental question for us all: who do we want to be as a people of the United States of America? I believe it is important for us to consider our spiritual and moral values and the legacy we wish to leave behind regarding how we treat those seeking a new life or safety within our borders.
From Pope Leo (as one example):
Foreigners in the US are being treated in an “extremely disrespectful way.”
“I think we have to look for ways of treating people humanely, treating people with the dignity that they have.”
“If people are in the United States illegally, there are ways to treat that. There are courts; there’s a system of justice.”
The United States treatment of immigrants is “inhuman.”
Who do we want to be?
What do we want our legacy to be?
Is there still time or has the clock ran out?
Robin Stricoff
Oxford
Sarah sayre says
Thank you, Robin. You speak for me.
Art Cecil says
Our country doesn’t need a moral test on immigration. Whatever your point we passed with flying colors. If you want to talk about illegal immigrants please make the distinction between them and the millions who have come here by invitation and the right way.
Richard Marks says
Art,
You are missing the point. For all our embracing immigrants, we have a history of rejecting and dehumanizing them before ultimately accepting them. It is unfortunate that our process to become a citizen is so clogged. Symptomatic of our entire judicial system, sadly.
Jim Bachman says
Tell that to the Irish and Italians who emigrated here legally in the early 20th century. They probably have a bone to pick.