Immigrant processing...a different idea

How could the USA do a better job of identifying which immigrants are attempting to enter the country with good reasons and productive intent?  Impossible? Probably not.  The quote: “The difficult we can do immediately, the impossible may take a bit longer,” seems to apply. I am going to suggest a way to establish a foothold on the issue of screening/vetting immigrants and determining if they are legitimate future Americans or long-term expatriates.

What if we start with what we already have, rather than building a whole new monstrous governmental machine.  We already have churches, and in many ways, they are the best suited organizations to effectively identify, assist and monitor the masses. Check out this article from CT.

According to a recent paper published by sociologist Simon Brauer in the Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion, the number of religious congregations in the United States has increased by almost 50,000 since 1998. A key reason: growth in nondenominational churches.

Using the National Congregations Study (NCS) conducted in 2006 and 2012, he estimates the number of congregations in the US increased from 336,000 in 1998 to a peak of 414,000 in 2006, but then leveled off at 384,000 in 2012.  (source:  Christianity Today, July/Aug 2018)

So, for the sake of simplicity, let’s say we have 350,000 churches in the USA.  This is already a huge machine!  We, as churches, in the US already receive some tremendous tax advantages.  We do not have to pay taxes on the money we receive (and in some instances, church is BIG BUSINESS).  As a service of love and devotion to our benevolent (a little tongue in cheek, here) political state, we could give back something invaluable in addressing the illegal immigrant issue.  I am going to bullet point some thoughts for clarity and brevity.  The points can be debated, changed, added to, and deleted…but we need a place to stand…a starting point, if you will.

·       Immigrants to the US must be sponsored by a local, duly organized church. Since we have churches everywhere, they can choose registered church in a desired location from which to apply.  If a prospective immigrant chooses NOT to go this route, fine…they can access the system and wade through years of governmental red tape.  Their choice.

·       Churches, depending on size, can sponsor as few as one individual/family, or several.

·       There is no cost to the church for getting the immigrants here. They must figure that out.  There is no cost for keeping them here.  They are free to provide some assistance (food, shelter, employment, etc) as they desire and are able.

·       An immigrant must keep the church current on their status: work and living address.

·       There is a once a year report (form driven) by the church as to the status of the immigrant:  Are they employed.  Are they paying taxes. Have they been arrested or caused problems with not complying with the rules, etc.

·       When an immigrant enters through this program, they are legal to work, but they are on a probationary status for, say three years.  If after the three years, they have demonstrated that they are a productive addition to the community, they have been compliant, they are issued long term status.  They can stay legally, have kids, work and play. They can also declare an intent to become citizens, which is voluntary, not mandatory. They may choose to continue as expatriates.

·       If at any point, they become a threat or detriment to society, they (head of household) will be deported with their spouse and minor children (this would need some working out).

·       Minor infractions, such as traffic laws and misdemeanors, can be negotiated and perhaps be a reason for extended probationary status.

·       Long lines would be no longer be an issue.  The work load would be spread in a way that would be easily accommodated. Churches would have a way to “give back” in a service that means something and is an opportunity to show Christian charity on an individual basis.

·       Families/individuals would be under no obligation to “attend” their sponsoring church.  That would be totally optional.  In that way, say a Roman Catholic family, or a Muslim family could be sponsored by a protestant congregation and still have the freedom to practice (or not practice) their religion according to their own choice.

·       This would add a few hours work to a church who only wanted to do the minimum required.  With computer reporting, it would not be that difficult. It would become a great opportunity for churches who desired to go beyond the requirements and provide love, relationship, and a sense of belonging.

Obviously, this could include, not only churches, but mosques, non-profit organizations, etc.  America is full of legitimate organizations that are receiving huge benefits from our country.  Why not give back in ways that are so needed?  As I said, this is a foothold…a starting point for discussion.  My point is that, though difficult as it may be, it is not an impossible task for immigrants to be here legally, on a probationary status, to prove themselves, and to separate the dreamers from the abusers. It would be an alternative to the long lines, impossible red tape and ineffective methods of screening.  It isn’t working well now.  Maybe it’s time to think outside the box.