How might faith guide us?One set of faith-based principles for immigration reform Immigration reform is the common term used in political discussions regarding changes to immigration policy. In a certain sense, reform can be general enough to include promoted, expanded, or open immigration, but in reality discussions of reform often deal with the aspect of is being promoted by the No More Deaths coalition, based in Tucson, Arizona Tucson (pronounced /ˈtusɑn/, Spanish: Tucsón [tuk'son] . Their specific goal is to reduce or eliminate the deaths of migrants attempting to cross the U.S.-Mexico border. Following are excerpts from their statement, which can be found in its entirety at www.nomoredeaths.org/faithbasedprinciples.html. We share a faith and a moral imperative A moral imperative is a principle originating inside a person's mind that compels that person to act. It is a kind of categorical imperative, as defined by Immanuel Kant. Kant took the imperative to be a dictate of pure reason, in its practical aspect. that transcends borders, celebrates the contributions immigrant peoples bring, and compels us to build relationships that are grounded in justice and love. We believe that using these principles--listed from the most imminent threat to life to the deepest systemic policy problems--will significantly reduce, if not eliminate, deaths in the desert borderlands. RECOGNIZE that the current Militarized mil·i·ta·rize tr.v. mil·i·ta·rized, mil·i·ta·riz·ing, mil·i·ta·riz·es 1. To equip or train for war. 2. To imbue with militarism. 3. To adopt for use by or in the military. Border Enforcement Strategy is a failed policy. Since 1998 more than 2,000 migrants have lost their lives in the deserts of the U.S.-Mexico borderlands. The border blockade strategy has militarized the U.S.-Mexico border, which drives migrants into remote desert regions yet has failed to stem the flow of immigrants into the U.S. We recognize the right of a nation to control its borders, but enforcement measures must be applied proportionately, humanely, and with a conscious effort to protect the people and the land. ADDRESS the status of undocumented persons currently living in the U.S. Workers and their families currently living in the U.S. must have access to a program of legalization LEGALIZATION. The act of making lawful. 2. By legalization, is also understood the act by which a judge or competent officer authenticates a record, or other matter, in order that the same may be lawfully read in evidence. Vide Authentication. that offers equity-building paths to permanent residency and eventual citizenship for workers and their families. Legalizing the undocumented workforce helps stabilize that workforce as well as their families. A stable workforce strengthens the country. MAKE family unity and reunification re·u·ni·fy tr.v. re·u·ni·fied, re·u·ni·fy·ing, re·u·ni·fies To cause (a group, party, state, or sect) to become unified again after being divided. the cornerstone of the U.S. immigration immigration, entrance of a person (an alien) into a new country for the purpose of establishing permanent residence. Motives for immigration, like those for migration generally, are often economic, although religious or political factors may be very important. system. Migrants enter the U.S. either to find work or to reunite with family members, yet the arduous and lengthy process forces families to make potentially deadly choices. Families must be allowed to legally reunify re·u·ni·fy tr.v. re·u·ni·fied, re·u·ni·fy·ing, re·u·ni·fies To cause (a group, party, state, or sect) to become unified again after being divided. in a timely manner, as well as to immigrate im·mi·grate v. im·mi·grat·ed, im·mi·grat·ing, im·mi·grates v.intr. To enter and settle in a country or region to which one is not native. See Usage Note at migrate. v.tr. together as a unit. ALLOW workers and their families to enter the U.S. to live and work in a safe, legal, orderly, and humane manner through an Employment-Focused immigration program. International workers' rights must be recognized and honored in ways that protect: the basic right to organize and collectively bargain, individual workers' religious freedoms, job portability, easy and safe travel between the U.S. and homelands, achievable and verifiable paths to residency, and a basic human right of mobility. RECOGNIZE that root causes of migration lie in environmental, economic, and trade inequities. Experiences of Mexico and countries further south demonstrate that current trade and aid strategies that are based on greed and lack of basic respect deeply and negatively impact workers, their families, and the environments in migrants' homelands. This is forcing a quest-for-survival-based migration of unparalleled proportions. International agreements must be negotiated in ways that build mutual and just relationships. |
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