by Fran Eaton
A national group called Christians Reviving America's Values (CRAVE) is calling for the U.S. House to pass legislation to build a 700-mile long wall on the American/Mexican border and to fine employers $50,000 for employing illegal aliens.
Don Swarthout, President of Christians Reviving America’s Values, CRAVE, said in a press release today, “America is a nation of laws. We cannot continue to allow the laws of our nation to be broken by people who are free loaders, criminals and drug smugglers. We must get a handle on who is coming into our country.”
Interesting. . . A Christian group who rejects free loaders, criminals and drug smugglers. Sounds vaguely like a description of a group of twelve who Jesus called to follow Him. That motley crew ended up changing the world when their hearts were radically changed by the love and forgiveness He bestowed on them.
Anti-immigration attitudes are troubling to me. I'm uncomfortable with building a wall to keep out people who want a better life.
Sunday night on Tom Roeser's show, State Rep. Suzanna Mendoza (D-Chicago) said it was almost impossible for Mexicans to get legal authorization to come into America. Visas are few and the requirements are very difficult to fulfill. Her own parents came into America on a visa, but overstayed their allotted time and became "illegal." She, herself, was "lucky enough" to be born in the U.S., and therefore, is "legal."
Rep. Mendoza's story was compelling. It's multiplied by millions now, an issue that has been complicating itself for decades.
But for a "Christian" organization to call for a wall to be built to keep out aliens, I'm very troubled. I think it's more "Christian" to say, "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free. . ."
Tell me where I'm wrong . . .