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.
Extremes! One of the great benefits of boundaries in our life is that they minimize extremes. The wild horses are perpetually anxious, because they are prey….predators are always checking them out just looking for a weakness or lack of attention. There are no protective fences. These Kentucky Thoroughbreds don’t have a worry in the world. They are complacent. They are indulgent. Boundaries help us to not get eaten alive by predators, or to become so complacent and indulgent that we are no longer alert and attentive or willing to take a risk. Look at these two pictures again…what do you see?
