Hi David,
Thank you for the great article. So insightful. May the majority-culture churches let go of anxiety and be courageous in showing the love of Jesus, regardless of documentation or ethnicity.

So, David, does the call to hospitality mean that we ignore legal issues?

If kids in your high school group are smoking weed, do you welcome them and join them and ignore the smoke? Or do you ask them to stop this illegal activity, at least while under your supervision?

If a 16-year-old driver stops by your house to pick up your daughter to go out, and you notice three passengers in the car already (and the legal limit is one), do you "show hospitality" and say "have a good time"? Or do you say, "Sorry, looks like you're over capacity already."

I'm afraid the issue of hospitality trumping the law isn't a simple one for faithful Christians.

Conservative Christians have long ignored laws that they deemed incompatible with the gospel. For instance, smuggling Bibles into countries where that was illegal.

Now, I don't hear many conservative Christians arguing that smuggling workers into the USA is as justifiable as smuggling Bibles into China.

Do you think race has something to do with it?

Our spanish ministry is thriving and we're seeing many come to know Christ and live for him. In this climate, where there is a push for anti-hispanic (that is what most of it is) legislation we hope to provide a refuge for people.

When we do have people that come into our ministry who are here illegally our guidance is that they submit to the leaders God has placed over them and the laws enacted. Our ministry teaches that it is our Christian obligation to do so. It isn't the easiest of sells, but our business isn't making people happy it is following Christ.

Wonderful article. Thank you!
I was almost in tears yesterday reading the comments to the Christianity Today article on immigration by Jennifer Hwang, many were so mean and hateful. I hope more people will examine their hearts and listen to the words of Jesus about caring for the "least of these".

I stopped reading this halfway through, as it became obvious you have no idea what is actually in the bill. Let's engage the issues for a change.

Some interesting thoughts, a good reminder to love our neighbors regardless of cirumstance. I have participate in events to help "anyone" (clothing drives, etc) in the past where the charity certainly does not care about a person's immigration status. I think those things should be promoted by churches.

The tough "sale" on the other side seems to include a few items. First is rule of law. If we decide a law is not to be enforced and that illegal doesn't mean illegal, then what about the remainder of laws that we operate by? This might be a challenge for legislatures.

Second is that the further we are removed from places like Arizona, the easier it is to be idealistic. It's also easy to identify and welcome someone who just seeks a better life coming in peace. The MS-13 gangs that inhabit cities around the nation and the fact that 3 of the 9/11 bombers were here illegally -- well, we don't want those people!

Third -- unfortunatly this has become a major political issue. Politicans are lined up for votes more than solutions.

Fourth, and what's really unfortunate, is that just knowledge that illegal immigrants are in the USA gives a segment of the population some idea that ALL those of Hispanic descent are illegal. It's a major over-generalization that breeds racism and it's major unfortunate. Most all Hispanics in my town are fair, hard working and friendly folks. Some don't have great English skills, but they'll smile and say "hello" if you talk with them. Unfortunately, a segment of the population needs a kick in the head to remember the people factor.

Lastly, I won't fault police officers for enforcing a law. If I'm in another country, I can prove my entry status. If I"m illegally there, the laws of that country could govern that I leave. Local law enforcement doesn't need to take a blame for that -- several studies (at university level) have supported law enforcement acting in reasonable ways while enforcing the laws.

But good topics for us all to ponder and think about... thanks!

I think Andrew's comments raise an important question. We who call Jesus "Lord" can't simply oppose illegal immigration because it's illegal. David, I wish you would articulate more clearly how you think churches ought to respond to immigrants, especially illegal ones, in a way that proclaims the gospel. That means in a way that idolizes neither U.S. law or U.S. economic opportunity as gospel.

While I would urge compassion for all immigrants, and an expanded view of the Kingdom that is not xenophobic, I also would caution against a simplistic and pejorative view that anyone supporting the Arizona law is racist. (Let's not judge the hearts of others, on either side.)

First let me repeat somebody's plea that you read the Arizona law before you condemn it. Our biased media keep leaving out the fact that police must have "lawful contact" before they check on immigration status. They can't just demand ID.
Second, The OT injunction to "welcome the stranger" did not mean they could automatically become citizens of Israel.
Third, the charge that those who oppose illegal immigration are racist is slander at best. What's worse, it shows a failure to actually listen to those who disagree with you. I support expanded legal immigration which, however, should not privilege Mexicans just because of an accident of geography. Zambians, Bangladeshis, etc should have equal access to American immigration and citizenship (Note: they are not white.)
Fourth, if you really support "open borders" say so plainly.

Arizona passed a law to prohibit employers from kmowingly hiring illegal immigrants in 2007. I believe there is a $2500 fine for employers caught doing so.

I've lived in Arizona since 1976. Mexican-Americans are my neighbors, co-workers, friends, students, teachers....everybody. It seems odd to whites in Arizona to be called racists because everywhere we go and everything we do is with Mexican-Americans. Honest, they are not just emptying the trash. They are our educators, pastors, lawmakers, law enforcers, and every other type of person one will deal with in life. So we don't feel racist - we life in a racially and culturally diverse area.

I have to agree with those who are concerned about the lack of depth of this post. The positions of both sides should have been explained, and accusations of motives without evidence should have been avoided. As Christians we should not be so simplistic that we misrepresent positions and motives.

Perhaps there can be a follow-up post that really dives into the issue in a responsible fashion.

David, I really appreciated this article. So often, people get wrapped up in the politics of immigration and often forget that the very fabric of American society was founded upon the different cultures and traditions of immigrants from all around the world. For centuries, people have traveled great distances to seek a better life for themselves and their families in America. Immigration is at the core of American society. However, today, the topic of immigration, specifically Mexican immigration, is the focus of much heated debate in the Unites States and it happens to be the most divisive issue in the United States' relationship with Mexico. Although there are varying opinions on the benefits and costs of immigration, most would agree that it has become a significant issue and reformation is in order.
Today, there are more than ten million undocumented aliens living in the United States and that number is growing by 700,000 per year. According to the Center of Immigration Studies, the growth in the Mexican immigrant population accounts for 37.8 percent of the total increase in the number of immigrants living in the United States and a large percentage of that population is illegal. Illegal immigration has become a significant issue in the United States and many believe it is impacting national and border security, healthcare, employment, and many other areas of American life.
A lot of American citizens are specifically concerned about the economic and fiscal impacts illegal immigration has on this nation. Many people argue that illegals are receiving benefits from a system that are not paying into. According to the Heritage Foundation, there is a definite imbalance; for every dollar a low-skill immigrant pays in taxes, they are receiving three dollars of benefits in return. American citizens are also concerned about the millions of dollars immigrants are costing the American government. Because illegal immigrants are usually medically uninsured, they utilize hospital and emergency services. According to the Federation for American Immigration Reform, illegal aliens use hospitals and clinics more than twice as much as the U.S. Population. Education costs have also risen because of illegal immigration. It is currently estimated that there are 2 million school aged illegal immigrants in the public school system and the costs incurred at state levels in education for illegal immigrants are significant. For New Mexico alone, educating 9,200 unauthorized immigrant schoolchildren cost their government $67 million. Along with the costs incurred, many Americans fear that illegals are stealing their jobs, especially in this time of economic downturn. A USA Today article stated that illegal immigrants are estimated to take 15% of the 2 million jobs that new tax-payer financed projects are predicted to create. This brings great concern to Americans that are out of jobs due to the economic recession.
Whatever the issue is, whether it be concerns about healthcare, education, or employment, there is much division in deciding whether immigration is harmful or beneficial to the United States. Unfortunately, most arguments, whether in favor of or against immigration, have a tendency to revolve mostly around numbers and the fiscal impact immigration has on the economy. However, the fiscal and economic impact of immigration in America should not be the sole concern in this debate. It often seems forgotten that immigrants are not numbers; they are people and should be treated with the dignity God created them.
In approaching this divisive topic, even Christians have a tendency to base their opinions on their political affiliations, rather than on the examples provided in Scripture. Throughout the Bible, there is story after story that provide examples of how Christians should treat and care for immigrants. Perhaps one of the most well known stories of immigration in the Bible is the Israelites' exodus from Egypt to the Promised Land. Over and over, God instructed the Israelites to take good care of the stranger and alien, because they were aliens and strangers themselves. One of the first ordinances God gave to Moses after the Israelites were freed from bondage in Egypt was to not oppress aliens or strangers. Exodus 22:21, “You shall not wrong any stranger or oppress him, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.” In Leviticus 19:9-10, God gives more detailed instruction: “When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, neither shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest. And you shall not strip your vineyard bare, neither shall you gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the LORD your God.” God called the Israelites to treat the foreigners well, and even provide for them. These sames principles can and should be applied today. In the New Testament, there are many verses that encourage or command hospitality. Hebrews 13:2 states, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.” Romans 12:13 urges Christians to practice hospitality. 1 Peter 4:9 states, “Show hospitality to one another without grumbling,” which also applies to the treatment of immigrants or strangers. 3 John 1:5 commends the hospitality Gaius showed to the Christian strangers, “Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are...”
Many would counter this argument with Romans 13, which calls Christians to submit to the authorities God has placed in our lives. This instruction should be applied to the immigrants today that are crossing into our country illegally. However, we cannot ignore the verses in the Bible that command us to take care of the immigrants. In Luke 27:10, Jesus said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” The second greatest commandment was to love our neighbors as ourselves. This should definitely be applied to immigrants. We should not be so quick to reprimand the immigrants for coming here illegally. Rather, we should care for, protect , and provide for them, and in the meantime, support a policy that allows for easier entrance into this country and ultimately one that is theologically and biblically sound.

Okay, first off...why isn't this law being enforced?
The reason I ask is that if Arizona is suffering from a lot of illegal immigrants it would seem to me that Arizona's fiscal crisis could be solved from all the fines levied against employers because the currently new bill, or should I say, the new law indicates that the problem has grown worse, not better."

What I remember is that prior to the law, employees would just give the employer a fake SSN. When the law went into effect, something called E-verify was used to make sure that all employees had legitimate SSN's. Employers checked the numbers of all their employees and layed off anyone whose SSN was no good. Some of the employees that were laid off left Arizona, but many stayed and now work for cash.

"btw, I will, because of your testimony, retract all charges and thoughts of racism."

Thanks, although I would not say that there is no racism at all anywhere in the state of Arizona. Charging the entire state with racism kinda stung, though.

"I will consider your newer state law stupid, desperate, poorly thought out, and thank you for correcting me."

Maybe so. I don't think very highly of how immigration is handled myself.

Nowhere in this post does David either approve or condemn the Arizona law. He simply uses it as an example of the current cultural climate. If that is the only thing you got from reading his words, you missed the point.

There is no "illegal alien" in the Body of Christ. Regardless of a person's immigration status, s/he needs the gospel. I don't have a problem with churches encouraging illegal immigrants to obey the law, nor with individuals advocating for whatever it is they believe politically about immigration in general. BUT, as messengers of the gospel, we must be sure that our political rhetoric does not convey hatred or disdain for others that would keep them from hearing the good news of salvation. Unfortunately, the vehemence with which many people express their distaste for illegal immigrants (and legal ones who seek to keep their cultural heritage) conveys that they consider those people less worthy of a church's time and efforts.

Thank you, David, for taking this on. Personally, I don't think this is so much about race. I think it's a mistake to paint it that way. The real issue is SECURITY. People are afraid they will lose their way of life. That threat can come from any race, including, for example, white Russian immigrants like we have in our area. That is why those against immigration will fall on the side of obeying the law. Law defends "our way of life" and when it is ignored against the rights of its intended beneficiaries, this created enormous frustration. I think would be productive to discuss the matter from that angle: immigration and loss of power. 1) is it true that immigration leads to loss of power for Americans, as many of them think? 2) Is the amount of power Americans have fair, thinking in terms of global arrangements? 3) Biblically, what is the correct way to view power, its use and its maintenance?

I think I just came up for a good outline for a post on my blog! blessings to all,

One question does your church and your home have locks to keep the Sojourner out? Or –is it unlocked and welcoming to all that enter 24/7 as many desire our boarders.

We took that land from Mexico at the point of a gun, dividing an ethic group, and now we're suffering for it.

Our entire paradigm of legal/illegal is founded upon a national sin.

Immigrants from Mexico, legal or illegal, have just as much moral right to live in Texas/Arizona/California/New Mexico as a US citizen.

But moral rights mean nothing when up against police powers. Might creates right is the American way. If we're strong enough to occupy Iraq, then by definition it's right.

Did it ever occur to you why the Mexicans are speaking Spanish?? With your great reasoning, they actually should go back to Spain, where they came from.

Has anyone looked up how much farm land is lost every year in the US? Where will the food and water and jobs come for these many millions of people? They are destroying our deserts, is that their "right" too?

I guess we can all use the mentality of the present administration and just keep printing trillions and trillions of dollars. It still will not supply enough farmland, food or water for everyone.

I really appreciate this article, as it is a well-debated topic these days. I found a quote recently that states, “We are divided on the question of what principles should govern our efforts to control immigration. No policy set by Congress, or the Executive, or even the courts –though their interventions have affected policy deeply—now truly controls whom we shall welcome”. Immigration is a very sticky situation that has many tensions and it seems that tried policies have not actually made a lasting effect. The law that was just passed in Arizona is very harsh being that the state will now have to take illegal immigrants into custody and be deported. I think people need to think about this for a moment—we are removing people from an area because they are seen as “illegal”. It is understandable that Americans can make their own laws, and every person in the country is called to abide by the laws but think about the cost effects of deporting illegal immigrants. This could end up costing millions of dollars by having to spend federal money and hiring police force to deport people. I think the real problem lies within how challenging it is to actually become a legal citizen. Not only do illegal immigrants have to wait years to get a visa but they also have to wait to get residency and citizenship. This whole process can take up to fifteen years if one is lucky. This is where a political reform must come into play. Many are against a reform but I believe it should be considered. If there was a reform on immigration policy, this would allow illegal immigrants a better chance of becoming legal citizens and reduce the overall number of illegal immigrants. This should help the illegal population.
America is a nation of immigrants and that needs to be remembered. At one time or another, a family member came across on a boat to America to a free land with big hopes and dreams. This is exactly what immigrants today are about. There is an estimated one and one and a half million immigrants that enter the United States each year. Almost one million of these immigrants are undocumented (or illegal). These are people just like you and me that desire a better situation—maybe it is a job or for a family. This needs to be kept in perspective.
As Christians, where do we have a say in this debated topic? This part of the article really saddens me as it recalls the situation of the public radio station in which a pastor called in that supported immigration reform and the host stated, “‘You believe the Bible is true and care about immigrants?’”—was almost comical. Situations like these provide opportunities to explain our Gospel-motivation.” I appreciate the way David wrote this article in that by having immigrants it provides an opportunity to share the gospel message. Christians are called to care and protect others and this includes illegal immigrants. Reassessing how “aliens” are to be treated can easily be found in the Old and New Testament. As aliens are called to abide to the laws of the land, Christians are to treat them a certain way as it states in the Bible. Exodus 22:21 states, “Do not mistreat an alien or oppress him” as they are people that have God’s concern. Also in Leviticus 19:33-34 also acknowledges the treatment of aliens. They are not to be mistreated in the land, “the alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born”. Another example in the Old Testament is found in Genesis 18:2-8 when the Lord appeared to Abraham and Sarah. As the three visitors came to their tent, Abraham immediately went to his feet and greeted them with a bow towards the ground. His consideration was quickly given over to the needs of his guests. Abraham wanted to wash their feet as they had probably been outside walking a long distance. He also longed to provide refreshment to his traveling guests in order that they would not go thirsty. This represents humility and the desire to serve others out of the abundance of what God has provided and to do so because it is an act that is expected towards strangers. Abraham served the strangers as if it were a favor to make them food. Practicing hospitality is so important among Christians in order to show hands-on love towards others. Showing love to others radiates God’s love and is a witness. The New Testament has verses that demonstrate the importance of showing hospitality to strangers that includes Hebrews 13:2. It states that people should not forget to show love to strangers by entertaining them. The author of Hebrews places the significance of providing interest in those who may not be known.
Although Christians can become so caught up in the policies of immigration, one must remember that the gospel is what needs to be of importance and be heard by all regardless of national background—as this should be the main concern. One must remember that all are equal under Christ and Christians are called to a higher standard in protecting and caring for others. Churches do need to take a stand as David stated in the article as this creates opportunities to present the gospel to people of every nation. The media has a way of dividing people and manipulating what is actually good, but Christians must conduct life in a way that represents Christ even if that means loving those who are foreigners. This article confirms the need for reform on the topic of immigration but more rational ways must be considered.

HTG has it right. There are three kinds of people in this country: indigenous people, old immigrants, and new immigrants. The Old Immigrants kicked out the indigenous people (i.e., killed them, lied to them through broken treaties, forced them off their land at gun point), then set up laws to keep out many of the new immigrants (particularly non-white immigrants.) Maybe the "illegal" immigrants should just get together and declare some part of this land theirs (say, Tejas y Nuevo Mexico) and then declare everyone in those states citizens of a new country, unless they didn't want to those people there, then they could call them illegal.

People who support the Arizona law are not racists, but idolators, who care more about the "American way of life" and economic concerns than about the Kingdom of God and Jesus' commands.

Good article David. May the church hear a call in your words to put action to their witness.

Incredible! Whether intentionally or because of negligence, the writer makes no distinction between legal and illegal immigrants. As an immigrant and the pastor of an ethnic church, this article does not address issue and is superficial. Has the writer thought about the "unfair" impact of illegal immigrants on legal immigrants? Hundreds of thousands of people applying for legal immigration to the US are denied because of the number of illegal immigrants. So do not misuse the Bible for your viewpoint!

Amazing...I've never seen a group of people more "expert" at judging the motives and thoughts of others whom they have never met. It honestly depresses me as a Christian. And Sheerakahn, if you're still reading these comments, in the past I have agreed with some of your points of view, but often been saddened by the harshness of your tone. But your sarcasm, blanket accusations of racism, and unwillingness to recognize that those who believe differently than you do may just have a valid point, that you have expressed in the comments to this post--I don't even know what to say. I don't know you, and I definitely don't want to be judgmental, because I'm sure in person you are a decent person, and I know the sins that are in my own heart. But I just plead with you as a brother in Christ that you examine yourself. I say this to ALL of us. The debate on this post has been no more loving and gracious than the debate on the cable news shows. For a forum with people who are disciples of Christ, that just isn't possible!

David, I seriously think you need to live in San Diego, Phoenix or Houston before you judge the Christians who are in favor of stronger immigration laws as unloving. The article is very loving toward illegal immigrants but lacks love and understanding toward Christians who truly deal with this issue. It lacks empathy for the very real issues caused by illegal immigration. And that is the key! The issue is between legal immigration and illegal. ...not race or ethnicity. San Diego has a huge Spanish speaking culture within the churches. The vast majority of churches are culturally diverse. Loving and welcoming ethnic diversity is not the issue...drugs, violence, sex trafficking and incredible tax payer expense is the issue. I think it is unfair to play the "love" card to these Christians who deal with this issue on a daily basis. I would like to hear from someone who faces this issue in their church in El Centro or El Paso or Phoenix. Not Chicago...I do love you though.

"I hope we will look back on these days as the time when the fear-defying Gospel of Jesus was exhibited to immigrants and skeptics alike."

What would Jesus say?

LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR BY BEING A GOOD NEIGHBOR. How? Jesus would tell a story.

>>

"A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead.

"A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side.So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.

"But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper.

"'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'" Luke 10:30-35

>>

The man was an illegal immigrant. No ID. No SS number. No notarized reference of good character. No name.

He fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of a life of dignity, beat down his status in society, and went away, leaving him with marred image as beloved child of God.

WHEN YOU SAW HIM, YOU TOOK PITY ON HIM. You knew the life back there had gotten so worn to a thread for him to leave painfully behind his own home and family. You knew he worked like a horse plodding the hundreds of miles across an utterly unknown territory - running away from road violence, hiding from police corruption, walking in fear, loneliness, exhaustion, sorrow, cold, heat, diarrhea, thirst, hunger - before he got ultimately to his journey's fateful end.

You knew not everyone had the energy to go on. Even faith in Jesus, the Virgin Mary, or the Streets of Gold - broke down sooner or later. Many, like him, foundered at the border...who simply ran out of strength. If North America does not want them, Tijuana wants them even less. They become outcasts of an outcast region.(Luis Alberto Urrea's "Across The Wire")

YOU WENT TO HIM AND BANDAGED HIS WOUNDS of his traumatic life, POURING ON OIL of compassion AND WINE of generosity.

YOU'RE AWARE OF YOUR TAKING THE RISK AT SUCH DANGEROUS PLACE. But you also knew that he was not with the "bad" guys. You're not referring the "bad" guys to those power-trippers-of-fundamentalist-religion-gone-bad type. Nor to those American-haters-whose-fundamentalist-nature-is-to-hate-us-no-matter-what type. Nor to those jealous-over-our-success-and-wealth type.

But the real "bad" guys are those who still keep the hardcore memory alive of "the way Britain and France took over the Middle East after World War I, carving out a set of countries from what had previously been a single Arab world and backing local elites who agreed to sell oil to the West at cheap rates in exchange for being allowed to run dictatorial regimes at home...[of] how the United States took over major responsibility for maintaining this kind of relationship after World War II and overthrow the democratically elected government in Iran to set up the Shah..." (Michael Lerner's "The Left Hand of God")

You knew the man was too namby-pamby to be with the real "bad" guys who are motivated by genuine outrage at the destructive role of the G-8 countries in global politics.

YOU FOOTED THE BILL OF HIS MEDICAL CARE. You mulled over the inanity of the bill face to face with the total loss of staggering $427 Billion in market value of WorldCom, Tyco, Qwest, Enron, and Global Crossing. The bloated dough could fund the United Nations for the next 263 years and still have $165 billion left over for unforeseen famine relief and peacekeeping missions, get Argentina back on its feet by paying off its external debt three times over, give $356 to every man, woman, and child on the planet living in poverty. (Arianna Huffington's "Pigs at the Trough")

It reminded you of making mountain out of molehill.

YOU TOOK CARE OF HIS FUTURE COSTS. You knew full well the man could pay you back in the future if you desire him to do so. It is not easy to replace him. The meatpacking industry needs him for the hard job, at any salary. No machine has yet been invented to take over some of the toughest positions, like the role of gut snatcher, whose sole job is to tug the offal out of each freshly killed hog that comes down the line. And that's only one unique job among the many.

Wholesale, you knew the man would make the difference. "It's the difference between New York and Detroit...a city largely 'free' of immigrants...hardly a model for economic growth...the epitome of everything that has gone wrong with America's cities...[On the other hand] New York...is experiencing a spectacular boom as the century draws to a close. Immigrants are not the only reason, but they are part of a complex reshuffling of the city's resources that has allowed other investment to occur. At the city's base, the great immigrant arbitrage game - the simple ability to convert Third World sweat and muscle into First World hard currency earnings - created much of the seed capital that funded New York's turnaround." (Joel Millman's "The Other Americans")

What would Jesus do? The answer in one word - AMNESTY.

From this website:
http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2010/05/obama_may_personally_greet_eac.html

"The White House appears to be laying the groundwork for President Barack Obama to shake the hand of each senior at Kalamazoo Central High School’s commencement ceremony next month.

Seniors are being asked to provide their birthdates, Social Security numbers and citizen status to the Secret Service so background checks could be performed. Such a check is required for anyone who gets within an arm’s length of the president, students were told at their senior breakfast Friday."

I guess that this would discriminate against any graduating senior who would be unable to provide such documentation. They would have to miss their own high school graduation because of Barak Obama. That seems really racist and unamerican.

KALAMAZOO — "The White House appears to be laying the groundwork for President Barack Obama to shake the hand of each senior at Kalamazoo Central High School’s commencement ceremony next month.

Seniors are being asked to provide their birthdates, Social Security numbers and citizen status to the Secret Service so background checks could be performed. Such a check is required for anyone who gets within an arm’s length of the president, students were told at their senior breakfast Friday." - mlivedotcom

Unfortunately any graduating senior who is unable to provide such documentation would miss their own high school graduation because of Barak Obama. This seems rather racist and unfair and very Arizona. Maybe we should boycott Kalamazoo.

R. Hernandez-- David used to live in S. Cal. I knew him then. He HAS lived in immigrant central. Plus, Chicago has a huge illegal immigrant population, ranking 4th of all states in the U.S. Don't dismiss David's analysis based on your perceptions of his background.

If Christianity is going to encourage lawbreaking... count me out.

AMNESTY WON'T UNDERMINE THE RULE OF LAW

Google "this is a nation of laws," and you'll find a thousand online Cassandras warning that our failure to prosecute illegals is an invitation to anarchy. They are right about the U.S. being a nation of laws. But our legal system is not a house of cards, one flick away from collapse.

U.S. jurisprudence has in fact always been a series of hedged bets, weighing the potential harm of a violation against the costs of enforcement. That's why people get arrested for assault but not for jaywalking.

It's time to think seriously about exactly where the act of illegal immigration lies in the spectrum of criminality. Consider the complicity of U.S. employers ranging from multinational corporations to suburbanites looking for gardeners. Factor in the mixed signals that lax law enforcement sent to would-be immigrants throughout '80s and '90s, and the crime should rank as a misdemeanor, not a felony.

Even if we step up border enforcement in the future - as we should - it is true that for a long time, crossing the Rio Grande was akin more to jaywalking than breaking and entering.

Sure, there is a very real national-security threat in having a porous border. But a large - if unquantifiable - percentage of the people crossing that line illegally are not newcomers but rather people who have already established lives in the U.S. and would qualify for amnesty. If they were legalized and free to circulate, we could concentrate on the serious criminals and terrorists crossing the border, not a worker going back to his family.

In Beardstown, amnesty would also help authorities tackle crime. Right now, they spend a lot of their energy sorting out who is who in the community because illegals present local police with a bewildering maze of identities. The illegals of Beardstown work under one name and go to church under another. Parents give their kindergartners fake names to use in school. "We are absolutely unable to identify our own people," says Walters.

It sounds counter-intuitive, but with immigration, forgiving a crime may be the best way to restore law and order.

Read more: http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1630168-2,00.html#ixzz0opdHcB9D

Actually, it was my impression that the article was not just about Arizona's law but the "white anxiety crisis" - the fear/defensiveness some feel because our culture is changing around us.
Speaking as a white person to other white followers of Jesus, apart from discussing Arizona's law, let's confront this problem: there is lament in it for 'white' people - there is a culture that felt comfortable for us that is passing away, like it or not. But as believers in Jesus, we must by faith accept that we have died, and our real lives are hidden in Christ - Col. 3 - and therefore we are not available to defend 'white culture' or any of that. We belong to Jesus and we are recruited to defend the kingdom of God, where our siblings are people from every tribe, tongue and nation - so after we've faced up to the sadness, we have to rebuke our fear and defensiveness, and get busy loving others in whatever culture emerges. This is a heart change, and a submission to obedience.
That says nothing about Arizona's law or anything else...yet. But how we respond to any issue needs to be carefully examined to be sure that fear and defensiveness as white people has been defanged, because that is not Christ.

The real phenomenon here is the contempt so many white people have for their own culture while they strenuously hold sacred the culture of others, all the while people of other cultures flock to the United States to access the white culture.