Immigrants and Ethics

I am disturbed by otherwise-decent people who are all too willing to cast hate and aspersions at non-U.S. citizens who got here without proper paperwork, or who still want to come here.  The Guatemalan refugees standing at the U.S. border facing armed guards and private citizens animated by xenophobic ragea re human beings trying to improve their own lives, and that of their children.  They are worthy of compassion and respect.  They have not had the advantages most U.S. citizens have.  Does all that make them worthy of scorn, derision, or anger? 

That would-be immigrant is the same as you who were lucky enough to be born here.  The only difference is the government that was in charge when and where you happened to be born.

I do not say we should open the border crossings and stand back.  Reasonable safeguards are prudent.  But it can be done with reason, respect, and compassion.  If you believe you are somehow better, more deserving than the would-be immigrant, then you are awash in arrogance.

I am particularly disturbed by those who rant about the despicable illegals while proclaiming Judeo-Christian ideals.  I’d like to know - How do you rationalize anti-immigrant wrath with this?

“When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself.” (Leviticus 19:33-34) 

Or for those of you who prefer it straight from the mouth of the Messiah:

“The righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you…  And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’” (Matthew 25:37-40)

I am prepared for hateful feedback.  But it’s not me you have to convince.

Gryphem