What would you do as a Christian if you met illegal immigrants?

Question

I'm just asking because I met some illegal "refugees" on the train the other day. I felt quite sorry for them, because they must have pretty difficult lives compared to most of us. One had 3 kids, the other had 4... but still, I don't know if I handled it very well, and would like to hear what ppl think to help me decide how I'd handle it another time.

I guess it probably depends on why they ended up here. I mean you'd probably react differently to someone who's life was in danger in their home country, or someone who was kidnapped, compared to someone who just wanted money...

Yeah, I guess usually you wouldn't get to know, but on this occasion I was chatting to them for a while (I often enjoy speaking to foreigners), and part way through the conversation I asked them if they were illegal, and they said yes. I'm pretty certain we both understood, because I also asked whether they'd consider going to the job centre, and they were like "No - we'd get deported". But I do take your point - it's probably quite an unusual situation.

Answer 1

I expect that many of us have had encounters of this kind. I have never felt that this was a situation which required "handling" as such. I sometimes feel irritation when I meet economic migrants, but I know that the task of processing their various applications lies in other hands than mine, so it is a matter of restraining my own feelings and not revealing my annoyance or saying anything judgmental. After all, when I analyse my feelings they are prompted by two feelings: wanting to preserve my territory for myself and my own kind (an old tribal instinct) and deep concern because the arrival in my country of so many outsiders is exacerbating existing economic problems. The Bible tells us to be kind to the stranger in our midst and morally there is no avoiding this commandment. However, the duty to be kind to the stranger seems to be based upon a society where such foreigners would be prepared to pull their own weight and make their own way rather than depend on what one can only describe as charitable handouts (given the fact that they have made no contribution to the funds available). I find myself far more sympathetic towards someone who evidently would much rather have stayed at home and carried on with earning a living and looking after a family there than towards a person whose motivation was entirely financial or economic (in which I would include taking advantage of a free medical and educational system).
At the moment I live in a country where there is a very serious problem of illegal immigration from a neighbouring country which leads to crime (in the case of illegal immigrants who have no means of support) and exploitation on the part of those taking advantage of their presence, not to mention the spread of disease. The motivation of these immigrants is entirely economic, as they come from a country where there is no real hope of finding employment. I am uncomfortably aware that if my family were starving I might well take a similar step in the hope of earning some money to send home. This is not at all an easy question to answer, but thank you for asking it.

Answer 2

Well, I do know a family that is illegal from Columbia. They were religiously persecuted by their family. They were Protestant and their family Catholic.

The husband was an engineer of some kind and the wife a dentist or dental assistant. Now he serves food and cleans up after events and the wife cleans houses. They are scratching a living out here and they have three children. They are great people and I would not turn them in.

Now, if I met or saw others that I suspected I have a duty to turn them in as they are breaking the law. I do not like groups the aid these people that cross illegally. I know this sounds contradictory, but unless you know the facts you should act in the best interest of your country.

There are so many coming over I wonder that they do not organize and make their home better instead of running away. Many different people came to America because of such oppression or lack of work. But, they had the permission of their leaders and even the Indians (though they did not see the impact until too late). When things got tough here I am sure many went home or fled West, but the majority fought and gained their freedom at great cost.

Everyone talks of how evil America is and yet they flock to our shores. Why? What do we have that they desire? Do they wish to join us or steal what we have? We did it so I do not fault those that wish to do it to us, but we do not have to roll over and give it to them apologizing all the way for what others have done in the far past.

Answer 3

I work with a lot of immigrants (who have documentation) and I know of people who most likely are illegal. I realize that one reason they moved is that they had no decent jobs in their community.

Do I hate that they are here. Only because many of these people cannot support their families back home and so they have to leave their children behind in order to support them.

I know that Americans consider that they are taking jobs away. But not hiring these workers will not stop the issue. Are you really willing to pay $10.00 for a hamburger in order to attract decent quality workers???

Answer 4

I have found most illegals to be immoral. They break the immigration law and all others mean nothing to them. This rule that makes their children born here, citizens, has to be thrown out. Until their country drops its border rules, we must maintain ours.

Answer 5

Im no longer a christian yet specific i could quench their thirst. identity experience sturdy approximately myself and not an entire sellfish @$$#0l3 and that i additionally wouldnt ought to pay attention approximately how they observed the virgin mary interior the desolate tract the two. heavily, in case you observed some thing interior the desolate tract it in all possibility wasnt there(hence illusions or mirages)

Answer 6

Unless they volunteered such private information to you, how could you possibly know if their immigration to this country was illegal or not?

Answer 7

I don't think that would happen because I would have no need in knowing someone that well.