ImmigrationOpEd

Episcopal Dean: Use Golden Rule With Heated Issue

Episcopal dean: Use Golden Rule with heated issue
BY REV. JUSTIN LINDSTROM

Over the course of our nation’s history when divisive political issues are allowed to fester unresolved, they have eroded the foundation upon which our country was built. While there is a natural separation between politics and religion on many public policy issues, the debate over immigration and the proposed reforms bring the two together.

For almost every religion some version of the Golden Rule calls upon us to “do unto others as you would have done to you.” In the context of immigration reform we are called to be compassionate to those who will be affected by policy changes. At the same time, as citizens of this country and stewards of the Constitution, we must respect our system of laws and those who have followed them.

While the immigration reform debate has been heated, it is clear that our current laws are outdated, unjust and need changes. The bill put forward by the bipartisan “Gang of Eight” in the U.S. Senate is a thoughtful and balanced reform of our policies on immigration.

By securing our borders and creating an effective employment verification program, we take away the ability and the incentive for people to come over the border illegally. When we create a new streamlined process to attract the “best and the brightest” to the United States — and not make it difficult for them to stay if they wish — we recognize that legal immigration strengthens our country. It should be noted that the pathway is not easy and it requires both time and effort on the part of the prospective U.S. citizen, recognizing that these sacrifices have been made by generations of immigrants who have followed existing law.

Read the complete OpEd at NewsOK.com

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