Please hear this from my heart - I’ve tried to keep my personal feelings to myself, but I can no longer do so. This issue is biblical; not political, and I want to help people understand what’s really happening. Several times during the last few months people have mentioned to me “well, they’re just here illegally,” or “if they had done it the right way, they wouldn’t be in trouble.”
That’s simply not true. Many of the immigrants currently in detention centers around the country have gone about the process legally. They have been arrested at their court hearings and at their check-in appointments. They did everything they were required to do and were still arrested. Others also came here legally, but the rules regarding their status suddenly changed. Afghan allies (who have been thoroughly vetted and who helped US soldiers fighting in Afghanistan) were welcomed into our country as a thank-you for their assistance during the war. Suddenly the rule was changed this year and these families are in danger of being deported back to Afghanistan or to another country they’ve never lived in. Doing things the “right way” is not protecting immigrants at the present time.
Saying they are all “illegals” is not true; it’s also not biblical. God continually reminds the people in the Bible to care for those who are strangers and living among them. Even for those who are here without the proper documents (and what counts as a “proper” document is confusing), the way they are being arrested and detained is cruel, violent, and traumatic. People are chased down, separated from their children, beaten, and treated cruelly by ICE agents wearing masks in unidentified vehicles. There is nothing biblical or moral about the way these people are being treated. And I won’t even mention what they are doing with children, but you can read about it here and here. These kids will deal with this trauma for the rest of their lives.
The campaign promise was to get rid of the worst criminals. That is not what has happened. 70% of those in detention have no criminal conviction. Of the 30% that do, the vast majority are minor infractions (speeding violations, marajuana use, etc). Less than 5% are violent criminals. Most immigrants are law-abiding and hardworking; they just want a better life for their families.
In addition to the dehumanization of people, this process seems to be a huge moneymaker. Local police departments are given thousands of dollars in incentives to arrest immigrants. Those who own the detention centers are making millions of dollars by imprisoning them. In addition, immigrants are charged for everything while in the detention center (toothpaste, soap, over the counter medicine, phone calls), and most item prices are marked up. When I put money in my friend’s commissary account I am charged a $7.95 fee each time. We’re also charged for each message we send each other. The food and medical care is not great in detention centers, and the rules to follow are extremely strict (for both detainees and visitors). Money is also spent on numerous secret flights to transfer immigrants to different detention centers, and now ICE is beginning to hide where detainees have been moved. The amount of taxpayer money being spent on this method of enforcement is staggering.
Many of the people who are in detainment centers are Christians. Even with all they have gone through and the fear they have of being sent back to an unsafe or unknown place, they still trust that God is with them. They pray for strength and help. Their faith speaks to me. I admire their courage. Most just want a safe and better life for their children.
For those who say we need a better immigration system - I agree. (I believe congress was working on a bipartisan plan a few years ago but was told to abandon it.) But just because we need a better system does not mean we should accept the present terror and unfair treatment. What our country is doing presently with our immigrant population is wrong. All people are created in God’s image and deserve to be treated with dignity. That is not partisan; it is a matter of morality. I cannot see how people, especially Christians, are in favor of this way of treating other people.
This is an issue I’ve become passionate about as I’ve become more familiar with our immigrant neighbors. If you look into the way our neighbors are being treated, I hope it is an issue that touches your heart as well.
Thanks for hearing my heart.
Melanie
