Our
View: U.S. seeks to deny church help
to illegals
Illegal immigration has been hotly debated for decades. The problem of documenting
illegal immigrants and deciding whether they are entitled to any rights has been
one of the most prominently, and prolonged, topics discussed in U.S. history.
The mere mention of such names as the Minutemen or former Gov. Pete Wilson is
often enough to get blood boiling or otherwise elicit an emotional response.
Recently, in order to combat the perceived problem with immigration, our government,
apparently fed up and frustrated with the ineffective methods previously used,
has decided to take extreme measures in preventing illegal immigrants from using
U.S. resources, or at least receiving spiritual nourishment from religious organizations
in the United States.
The proposed legislation will force all churches and social organizations to
require documentation from immigrants before providing them with any guidance
or assistance. Any organization refusing to comply with the law might face steep
penalties.
This law, aside from being completely asinine and insensitive, is a violation
of freedom of religion assured in the U.S. Constitution, a freedom that dates
back to the idea of separation of the church and state agreement in the Federalist
Papers.
The Federalist Papers were a series of documents urging people to ratify the
Constitution, and among these promises made to U.S. citizens was that a new,
more powerful government would never meddle with the right of the people to practice
their religion free of governmental constraints or interference.
For the government to use a place of worship as a means to accomplish a political
goal is unethical and wrong. Churches, synagogues, mosques and temples are places
where people find peace and replenish their spiritual needs. Violating these
holy places to further some campaign or gain support from an anti-immigration
group is deplorable.
Has the government become so desperate for some kind of solution to the ongoing
problem of illegal immigration that it’s willing to desecrate and disrespect
the few remaining sacred places in our country? Should illegal aliens be denied
the most basic of needs, spiritual relief and enlightenment?
Most places of worship act as a moral compass, directing parishioners to behave
morally and abide by the laws set in place by the government. Vary rarely do
religious organizations encourage people to break the law.
Seeking out assistance from a church or temple might encourage illegal aliens
to make their presence and contributions to our country legitimate. Denying non-citizens
from attending religious services or receiving any aid from a religious institution
may only further increase the number of people living in America illegally because
these people will not have a constant presence in their lives reminding them
to follow the laws and behave ethically.
Despite the fact that illegal aliens do not have the rights and privileges of
U.S. citizens, they do have basic human rights no government should take from
them, such as practicing religion.
If a religious organization wants to provide illegal aliens with spiritual guidance
then the government should respect that decision. Although the government would
like to have a role in every aspect of its citizen’s lives, some things
are sacred and should not be violated with government meddling.
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