Immigration in Indiana and “The Christian Right”: Neither “Christian” nor “Right”

Many of the “Christian Right” in Indiana think that the only Christian position on the immigration debate should be in favor of ridding our state of all illegal immigrants with whatever means possible. They presume that those who do not have documents are “illegals” and therefore should not have any rights. To them, it seems so simple, hinging primarily on obeying the law.

In the immigration debate, however, this position is neither “Christian” nor “Right” (as observed by a reader of the Indianapolis Star article, cf. Judge Issues Injunction on Indiana's Immigration Law (Indy Star, June 25, 2011). Not because these sincere believers are totally wrong. Rather, they are only partially right, emphasizing one principle while ignoring many others.

In reality, the immigration situation is so complex that a legalistic punitive approach such as the one currently in question in Indiana is not an appropriate response, neither from a Christian perspective nor from a view to justice. The complexities of the immigration problem in our state are explored in much greater depth in previous posts on this blog.

The Wesleyan Church has set forth biblical principles that ought to be applied in the search for a Christian response to the immigration problem in our state (cf. link in right hand column of this blog). Obeying the law of our land is certainly an important consideration. But there are many others of equal importance. The Wesleyan statement provides a balanced biblical perspective for all Christians to take into account, as together we strive to obey both God’s laws, all of which are right and just, and those of our government, inasmuch as they do not violate God’s higher laws.

Plea for a Reasonable Approach to the Immigration Problem

The message below was just sent to Senator Delph in response to his latest post:

Mike Delph's Unreasonable Approach to Immigration

Dear Senator Delph:

Your current approach to the immigration issue is unreasonably selective. For just one of many examples, you generalize and exaggerate about immigrants based upon individual situations. The result is polarization instead of dialogue in search of just solutions. The problem with such a radical approach is that many innocent people can be hurt, including thousands of children.

It's true that your radical rhetoric arouses some people. On the other hand, I am encouraged that a growing number of others are providing courageous leadership for these difficult times.

My prayer is that you too will see the wisdom in their balanced approach and join them in leading us into a better future for everyone in our great state. I realize that you've staked yourself out pretty far on this issue. But it is not too late to join with them in finding a just solution for everyone.

Dr. Norman G. Wilson

Will the Obsessed Persist without Listening?

Will the obsessed persist without listening? This is a distinct and scary possibility in Senator Mike Delph’s situation. Senator Delph represents the Indiana district where I go to church, and reportedly he too is a church attender. In addition, he and I are aging white males and Hoosiers. Plus, as you will read below, there are other similarities between us. But it’s the differences that have me worried—for him, for our state, and more importantly for others like him who share his views and still claim to be Christians.

On Senator Delph’s part, I sense that he’s increasingly trapped by the obsession to press forward with draconian measures and egged on by a radical fringe group.

Below you will find our recent interactions:

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Friday, January 14 (Written message I sent to Senator Delph via his web page):

Dear Senator Delph:

I’m happy that you had a nice Christmas and that you are still enjoying your tree. I note in the latest posting on your web page that you are also ready to unveil a revised version of your immigration bill. Hopefully it will be seasoned by a greater spirit of compassion and hospitality for all those involved.

Sincerely,

Norman

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Friday, January 14 (Voice message he left for me at my office phone):

Hey Norman Wilson. This is State Senator Mike Delph, giving you a call. We have introduced our Identities and Immigration Bill. You and I just philosophically disagree on the issue, which is fine. It’s America. I would encourage you to participate in our committee process. Senate Bill 590 is slated to be heard in the Senate committee on Pensions and Labor on Wednesday, February 2nd, at 9 AM, and I believe they are going to try to get that in the Senate chamber. It’s a bit more comprehensive than what I did last year. I think it’s tough, but fair. I’m sure you will have a different vantage point on the matter. Nevertheless, I hope all is well with you and the family and wish you all the best and hope you have a great weekend. Senator Delph.

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Sunday, January 16 (E-mail I sent to Senator Delph):

Dear Senator Delph,

Thank you for your gracious voice message last Friday. I am grateful that you took time to call me. Now I write you because I sense that you are a sincere person that is looking for thoughtful interaction on the matter of immigration in our state.

By the way, I just read that you have roots in Kentland and Frankfort and went to school at Purdue. I was born and raised in Lafayette, graduated from Jefferson High School, and then studied at Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion and at Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis. My parents were also Hoosiers. My dad lived a number of years in Logansport and then Frankfort, and my mom was from Fowler. So it seems that you and I have similar roots. Admittedly my immediate family’s fifteen years in Latin America followed by our subsequent immersion in Latino culture here in Indiana have had a significant influence on my perspectives.

It’s true that you and I disagree in several key areas on the issue of immigration, although there are some basic areas of agreement.
• First, I with you love my state.
• Second, I agree with you that uncontrolled immigration is a problem.
• Third, I agree with you that every nation has a right to defend its borders and place reasonable guidelines on their workers.

My primary concern with your approach is that lots of innocent people will get hurt. Three things about your bill are troubling to me:

• First, requiring local police to ask for proof of legal residency if they have reasonable suspicion that a person is not a citizen or legal visitor would lend itself to profiling. This clearly feels like an anti-immigrant bias. I realize that you have included words designed to minimize this possibility, but I do not think that they are enough to protect us from this possibility.

• Second, the idea of implementing policies of English only also feels like an anti-immigrant bias. First generation immigrants in America have typically needed time to learn the language of the majority culture. Furthermore, America is not an English only country contrary to common views held by some in the Midwest. Entire states in the southwest of our country originally were part of Mexico, and many still have Spanish speaking communities that constitute a vibrant part of America today. It makes sense that we will have immigrants from those areas that have always been American citizens and still today speak Spanish as their heart language. I would like for Indiana to be a welcoming place for those Americans that would chose to immigrate to our state.

• Third, putting pressure on workers will inevitably hurt innocent children. I sensed the last time you and I met that calling attention to this concern is a frustration for you. The reality is that given the years that have passed without due attention to the immigration problem, thousands of innocent children would be negatively affected by your bill along with others with whom their lives have become intertwined in recent decades. The hurtful impact of your bill on these innocent people needs to be taken into account.

I realize the above concerns are not directly related to the impact your bill would have on our state’s economy. On that issue too, as you know, there are varied interpretations. I think it would be helpful for you to take a more comprehensive look at the data, instead of picking and choosing perspectives that favor your approach. For example, I still have not heard an honest recognition on your part of the number of positive ways that immigrants contribute to our state, both documented and undocumented. Plus I still haven’t seen a reasonable accounting of how the revenues from the taxes collected from undocumented immigrants are helping to offset the added expenses of caring for that population.

While radical conservatives seem to be energized by your approach, there is a significant number of Hoosiers looking for a more reasonable approach, of which I am one.

I am praying for you as you seek wisdom and guidance from above regarding this matter.

Sincerely,

Norman G. Wilson

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In conclusion, I have a question and a request:

So, what do you think should be added to our conversation?

Would you join me in praying that God will guide Senator Delph and our other government leaders in addressing the immigration problem?

So Who Is My Neighbor? (A Story and a Response)

Which Story is True? Below is an anonymous response to my previous post. While I generally do not publish anonymous comments, I’m including this person’s comments here because they help to illustrate the importance of a story in expressing our worldview. As you read it, ask yourself what this story says about the worldview of the writer. Does it express a Christian worldview? Why? Or why not? Then afterward, I’ll give you my reactions.


Anonymous Writer:

The issue of illegal immigration could be likened to you having a spare bedroom in your home you hope to fill with a paid housekeeper. Before you find the housekeeper a man and his family move into your room without your permission. Seeing you are more wealthy than they are, they expect you to provide for all their worldly needs, including, food, clothing, medical bills, housing, etc. They plan to live there indefinitely in exactly the same way. They won't work for you, because they'd rather not. They won't learn your language because they'd rather not. They won't leave because you're a Christian, and you're expected to love them, and care for all their needs, expecting nothing in return. All the other Christians are telling you that you're doing the right thing by showing them this hospitality and love. So they stay with you until your dying day. End of story.

What are the Problems? Now, let’s go back to the beginning of this poor soul’s comments and see if we are looking at them in the same way.


Anonymous Writer:

The issue of illegal immigration could be likened to you having a spare bedroom in your home you hope to fill with a paid housekeeper.

A Different Worldview. Right off we can see that this person has a different worldview than that of a true Christian. Why? Because here the writer assumes that the house is his or her own property. In contrast, Christians consider that God is the owner of the house and that we are only His stewards. As Christians, we remember that everything we have comes from God, including the privilege of living in this land.


Anonymous Writer:

Before you find the housekeeper a man and his family move into your room without your permission.

But that’s not exactly the way it happened. On the contrary, permission has been granted by many in various ways, both overtly and tacitly. Over the past twenty years many people have come to live among us, with little protest by us as citizens until rather recently. Meanwhile, most of us have benefitted from the labor of these immigrants to build our homes, manicure our lawns, serve us in restaurants, and provide us low priced produce through their labors in our fields. And while we benefitted from their presence, they got married, settled down, bought houses and cars, and brought millions of innocent children into the world.

Meanwhile, from heaven’s view, God is the one who allows people to move “to and fro” on the face of the earth. While nations have a limited right to govern the lands entrusted to them, ultimately God is the one in charge. When He sees that a few are wealthy and well fed while millions starve, He in His permissive will allows peoples to move to new lands. This has happened many times over the centuries and today more people are displaced from their places of birth than ever before in history.


Anonymous Writer:

Seeing you are more wealthy than they are, they expect you to provide for all their worldly needs, including, food, clothing, medical bills, housing, etc. They plan to live there indefinitely in exactly the same way. They won't work for you, because they'd rather not.

Inaccurate Generalizations. Here too, this version of the story isn’t completely accurate from a Christian perspective. For one thing, not all twelve million undocumented immigrants have this kind of attitude or act this way. On the contrary, those who do are in the minority. Reading this description makes me wonder how many undocumented immigrants the writer of these comments actually knows personally. Most immigrants that I know are hard working, pay their taxes faithfully, and do the best they can to fulfill their obligations as much as they can under the circumstances.


Anonymous Writer:

They won't learn your language because they'd rather not.

This is Generally Not the Case. This comment too that makes me wonder if the writer knows many immigrants. Most of those that I know are trying to learn English (Learning a second language as an adult is not easy. I know! I have had to work very hard at it myself and still haven’t arrived). Many immigrants are making great progress. Plus nearly all their children are totally bilingual. Why do these immigrants work so hard at learning English? Because nearly everyone one of them I know dreams of becoming an American citizen someday and of fitting into this country and culture.


Anonymous Writer:

They won’t leave because you’re a Christian, and you’re expected to love them, and care for all their needs, expecting nothing in return. All the other Christians are telling you that you’re doing the right thing by showing them this hospitality and love. So they stay with you until your dying day. End of story.

Partly True, and Eternally False. Here, on one hand, I have to agree to a point. Our Father in heaven asks us to love strangers, sojourners, marginalized people and innocent children, and care for all those who have needs while expecting nothing in return from them. This is the example that Jesus gave us. On the other hand, for Christians, if we live this way, the day we die physically will not be the end of the story. Rather, it will be the beginning of a new and eternal life in God’s heavenly kingdom.

So you see, the immigration debate is very much about our worldview, whether Christian or otherwise, and the stories we tell. What story are you telling, and how do you see yourself fitting into it?

Top Ten Myths that Christians are Spreading about the Immigration Debate

Check out my list below of the top ten myths that I have heard many Christians spread about the immigration debate. What do you think about this list? Do you agree? Disagree? Do you have questions? Are there other myths that you would add to the list?

Please note that I am writing to Christians. We must remember that first and foremost we are citizens of our Lord’s Kingdom and thus owe our first allegiance to our heavenly King. Only secondarily are we citizens of this country, although at times we may forget that we are only pilgrims passing through this land. So I present these myths not with an attitude of judgment, but rather with the idea that my brothers and sisters in Christ are spreading these myths out of ignorance. I hope that this post will prompt reflection, discussion, and a Christian response as we seek to be more faithful in obedience to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

So, here is my list of the top ten myths that Christians are spreading about the immigration debate.


1. All Illegal Immigrants Sneaked into the Country.
Not true. Many came here on temporary work permits that were renewed various times by their employers. At some point, many employers tired of the growing complications and continued employing these workers without extending their work permits.


2. Illegal Immigrants are Taking the Jobs of Americans.

It is true that some immigrants are doing jobs that could be held by American citizens. But in many cases, employers hire immigrants because they cannot find American citizens that are willing to work for the wages that are offered. Are the employers paying enough? That is an appropriate question, and the answer in some cases is, “No, they are not.” Sometimes immigrants take jobs that American citizens are not willing to do, due to very demanding working conditions. However, in a free enterprise market, immigrants should not be faulted for taking jobs when they are offered to them.


3. All Illegal Immigrants Forged their Documents.

Again, this is not true for many immigrants that are called “illegal.” Many that immigrated here and overstayed their work visas originally were granted driver’s licenses and drove legally for years until their licenses were revoked recently due to the lack of social security numbers. As a result now, many do not have any documents, thus it is more appropriate to use the term “undocumented immigrants.” On the other hand, it is not appropriate to refer to these people as “illegals,” as that term dehumanizes individuals who are created in God’s image.


4. All Illegal Immigrants are Criminals.

The rationale here often is that not having documents makes one illegal. That is a pretty broad and inappropriate use of the term “illegal,” as the offense of overstaying one’s visa is closer to that of a speeding ticket or a loitering citation. In most states, these infractions are referred to as misdemeanors and do not rise to the level of calling one a criminal.

In recent months, many are now being racially profiled, pursued and turned into “repeat offenders.” Are they breaking the law by continuing to drive? Yes, of course. Nevertheless, there are few if any other viable alternatives available to them if they are to provide for their families. I personally have seen long lines of immigrants in traffic courts on various occasions, often over 90% of all those present. As a result, our government today is criminalizing a growing group of marginalized people as the result of what originally were minor offenses. I am not justifying that they have broken the law, but just trying to put their situation into proper perspective.


5. Illegal Immigrants Do Not Pay Taxes.

Again this is patently untrue. The vast majority of working immigrants are paying taxes under an IRS issued I-10 number. This is important to them, given their desire to show someday that they have done all they can to qualify for American citizenship. Meanwhile, these revenues are mingled with funds from other sources, and as of a year ago, at least, the government was not even keeping track of how much comes into this general fund from undocumented immigrants.


6. Illegal Immigrants Do Not Want to Learn to Speak English.

On the contrary. Most immigrants are working hard to learn to speak English and succeeding quite well. But learning a second language is not easy for most adults. I have discovered that many of the critics who spread this myth have not learned another language themselves.


7. Christians should always obey the law.

Again this is an untrue statement. Sure, every Christian should submit to the laws of one’s own country as much as possible, but with one very important caveat. We are ultimately citizens of our Lord’s Kingdom and should be willing and ready to speak out against unjust and hurtful laws of the land. I believe this day has now arrived in many places across our nation because of the way that immigrants are being treated. By suspending driver’s licenses and enacting and enforcing tough laws that penalize many who have been here for years, millions of innocent peoples are being hurt and families are being separated.


8. Comprehensive Reform is the same as Amnesty.

This is a bald lie for propaganda purposes. On one hand, amnesty means granting full status without any conditions or penalties. I do not favor amnesty, nor am I aware of anyone else in their right mind that does. On the other hand, comprehensive reform is the only reasonable way forward. Right now, there are no other viable ways out of this mess, which currently is causing over 12 million people to live in the shadows. For this reason, many churches have finally gone on record as favoring comprehensive immigration reform (see links in the sidebar of this blog). A good plan should include background checks (to identify and exclude true criminals), penalties, probation periods, and other steps along a pathway to citizenship. In many cases, the process may need to take years before one becomes a US citizen.


9. Illegal immigrants should just go back to their home country.

This may sound like a simple solution on the surface. However, the reality is that going back “home” is not an option for many of those that are here. They sold everything years ago (which in lots of cases was not much anyway), left their lands of birth to immigrate to our country, and now have absolutely nothing to which to return…no jobs, no possessions, and no family. In the meantime, the economies and living conditions in many of their home countries are deplorable, due in part to our country’s economic policies. In addition, we need to keep in mind that many of their children were born here and are now American citizens.


10. The Problem of Illegal Immigration will just go away.

While I have not heard anyone state this openly, we have been acting for over twenty years as though we think this problem will just disappear. However, just the opposite is true. The longer we delay, the more we are hurting millions of people and ourselves too. The vast majority of those who are here will not “go back home.” They have made many sacrifices to come to our country and are committed to make it work out, no matter how long it takes. The longer we delay, the more we miss the opportunity to invest in the upcoming generation of their growing children.

A close version of this myth is to claim that we did not cause this problem and thus should not be held responsible. In reality, as responsible citizens in a democratic society, when we fail to speak up, after awhile our silence becomes acquiescence. Maybe not right away. However, over twenty-three years have passed since Reagan granted amnesty to around 2.5 million people. Since then, our government has been remiss, millions more are now here in similar circumstances, and way too many Christians are still silent. Meanwhile, many of these 12 million undocumented immigrants are accepting Christ as their Lord and Savior and are looking to us for guidance and help.

So what can I do, I hope you are asking. Here are three practical suggestions:

1. Join in prayer with others, for wisdom and for the millions of people that are affected by this problem

2. Be informed, by checking out the links on this blog and by seeking out news sources that have balanced coverage regarding this issue

3. Write your governor, senators, and representatives, to ask them to support comprehensive immigration reform

Call for All Christians to Protest the Harsh Application of our Laws:

Suspended Licenses Used to Separate Families and Hurt Innocent Children

Now is the time for all true Christians to rise up and protest the Indiana government’s harsh treatment of thousands of our brothers and sisters in Christ. While government officials may be following the letter of the law, their actions today are hurting thousands of innocent children and their families! As Christians, we are instructed by our Lord to support our government and obey the laws of the land, except when higher Kingdom principles and values are violated. Today this is the case, and it is time for all citizens of our Lord’s Kingdom to rise up in defense of our brothers and sisters in Christ that are suffering. (For more on the Bible’s teaching on this matter, see links to the right of position statements by The Wesleyan Church, the National Association of Evangelicals, and other Christian organizations.)

Beginning in early 2008, up to 120,000 driver’s licenses in Indiana were suspended, by targeting those who did not have a social security number. As a result, now hundreds of families have been separated and thousands of innocent children are hurting, and the number of victims continues to grow each day!

Many of these victims are immigrants that first came here on work visas and have lived in our state for years. For more than twenty years, we welcomed them, issued them valid driver’s licenses based upon documents that included tax ID numbers and rent receipts, allowed them to build our homes and serve us in our restaurants, and employed them to work in our businesses. They have faithfully paid state and federal taxes, are buying homes, and have children in our schools. For years we offered them Hoosier Hospitality, saying with our actions, “Welcome, we are glad that you have come to live among us.” Now this Hoosier Hospitality has turned into Hoosier Hostility and persecution.

How, you ask? Last year our government made an about face and began to pressure these immigrants to leave our state, issuing traffic tickets for driving without a “valid driver’s license” and levying harsh fines and jail sentences. I personally have learned of various cases that strongly suggest racial profiling by the police. As a result, today thousands are trapped in their adoptive homeland with nowhere to go. Years ago most of them left everything behind in their land of birth to come to our country. Now their car insurance payments have skyrocketed and their homes are in danger of foreclosure. If these traffic laws would have been implemented years ago, the current practices by our police may have been more appropriate. Now it is too late to take such a harsh approach!




















The church that I attend with my wife welcomes these persecuted foreigners. Every week visitors come to our services and accept Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. We are honored to embrace them as our brothers and sisters in Christ. Tragically, many in our church are being victimized by our government’s cruel about face and harsh persecution based upon their invalidated driver’s licenses. Most are hard working responsible people. But today, they are being criminalized through our government’s pernicious scheme.

This past month, Carlos, my fellow believer, spent two weeks in jail for driving without a valid driver’s license in Carmel, while his wife and two children were left to fend for themselves. Two weeks ago, Rodolfo, my brother in Christ, was stopped in Fishers, given a traffic ticket, and summoned to appear in court. Last night, José was pulled over in Westfield by a police officer who matched the license plate with Jose’s invalidated license. Each of my brothers in Christ has a wife and children that depend upon them for food, clothing, love, and care. Each one is faithful in their church attendance and in tithing. Every family in our church has been touched by our government’s harsh persecution through this tactic.

Now is the time to pass the word, by forwarding the address of this blog to all serious followers of Jesus Christ. No longer can true believers remain silent. Please join me, as together we rise up in defense of our marginalized and persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ. Your words of support and protest are desperately needed right now, to encourage God’s people and to let our government leaders know that their actions are not pleasing in God’s sight. (Also, please join me in praying for these leaders and police officers. Some of them are fellow believers, caught between enforcing the laws of our land and obeying our Lord’s commands.) Thank you in advance for standing firm with us, as together pray and yearn for God’s kingdom to come to pass on this earth as it is in heaven, with justice, compassion, mercy and love for all.

NAE Supports Comprehensive Immigration Reform!

Today my prayer is, “God, please forgive me for wavering! And thank you for The Wesleyan Church!”

Just two days ago, the National Association of Evangelicals boldly approved a resolution supporting comprehensive immigration reform! Praise the Lord!

This is a huge answer to the prayers of a growing number of Wesleyans who are aware of the complexities of our nation’s immigration debate and burdened over the suffering of millions of undocumented people, including countless innocent dependents and children.

See the press release and statement at the following links:

Press Release on NAE Resolution

http://www.nae.net/news-and-events/349-press-release-nae-approves-resolution-supporting-comprehensive-immigration-reform

NAE Statement on Immigration

http://www.nae.net/resolutions/347-immigration-2009

When I saw that The Wesleyan Church was one of three denominations listed with resolutions on immigration, I was overwhelmed with gratitude for our courageous leaders, including our General Superintendents and the thousands of Wesleyan pastors and lay people who understand these biblical perspectives and share our passion for justice!

Admittedly I had a twinge of remorse when I read my own comments after our church’s position statement: “…I can’t speak officially for The Wesleyan Church regarding our church’s position on the present immigration laws. Nor do I think we should take an official position.” While it’s true that I can’t speak officially for The Wesleyan Church, I regret saying that we should not take an official position! On the contrary, all believers and churches should stand boldly against laws that hurt innocent people and do not please God!

Position of The Wesleyan Church on Immigration

http://www.wesleyan.org/gc/blog/positional_letters/?p=6

Please, forgive me, God, for wavering! And thank you for The Wesleyan Church!

Would you join me in prayer that God will bless and use us together in this just cause that is dear to His heart? May He purge our hearts of all racism and complacency and move us to bold action as His ambassadors. May His Kingdom come to pass today on earth as it is in heaven!

Christianity Today Addresses the Immigration Mess: Both Encouraging and Troubling

Christianity Today addresses the immigration mess, speaking clearly from a strong biblical perspective--finally! In the lead article, entitled: "The Soul of the Border Crisis," local churches and evangelical believers are called upon to get involved. Check it out at the following link:

(http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2009/june/17.18.html)

However, results from a poll that accompanies the article are revealing and troubling. More than 4 out of 10 respondents said that they either did not know any illegal immigrants or were not aware of it if they did. If a significant percentage of CT's readership are Christians and these results represent the general population (admittedly two assumptions that cannot be substantiated), then one wonders why so many of us are not aware of the plight of millions of immigrants and strangers in our midst and seeking ways to reach out to those among us who are marginalized and most vulnerable.

At least we can pray and hope the this recent publication by CT will awaken us who claim to be followers of Christ and prompt us to reach out in His name.

FOOTNOTE: Also check out my recently published article in the Journal of The American Society for Church Growth entitled "Evangelism and Social Action--Revisting an Old Debate: Good News for Immigrants and Evangelicals Too" (Volume 20, Winter 2009), a draft of which is also posted on my blog entitled "Global Ambassadors" at the following link:

http://globalambassadors.blogspot.com/

Rogue Cop Log

Another rogue cop is on the loose. Yesterday Veronica was pulled over in Carmel, Indiana. Why?

“Because you were going too slow,” replied the policeman. “You don’t have a license? Probably don’t have a social security number either. If your children weren’t with you, I’d take you straight to jail.”

This cop's comments were clearly out-of-bounds, although Veronica didn’t feel like she could defend herself from this harassment anyway. Meanwhile, her three young girls were crying in the back seat, terrified.


Renegade Profiling, Pretexts, and Threats

Reports like this of police in Indiana harassing anyone who looks different are on the rise. It appears to be part of a concerted effort by government officials and legislators to take the immigration problem into their own hands, including Mitch Daniels, Todd Rokita, and Mike Delph. Some of them admit that they are simply going by the playbook of other states. If the federal government won’t fix the problem, then the idea is to make life miserable for anyone suspicious.

Tragically, measures that may have been more appropriate a couple of decades ago when many undocumented people were settling in Indiana are now hurting thousands of innocent dependents and vulnerable children. Many of these immigrants have lived in Indiana for years, gotten married, have children, and been responsible citizens in every possible way except for their immigrant status due in many cases to the ineptness of the Immigration and Naturalization Service.


Open Hunting Season by Indiana Officials and Defenders

In broad strokes, it goes like this. To begin, several months ago the licenses of an estimated 55,000 Indiana drivers were summarily revoked based on the lack of a match with valid social security numbers. This was followed by a failed campaign to give police broader powers to detain anyone who doesn't have documents while checking with immigration authorities. Meanwhile Mike Delph, state senator from Carmel, pushed without success for more stringent restrictions against anyone who hires someone without their documents in order. So now it’s open hunting season, even on those who been here for years—driving responsibly, demonstrating an excellent work ethic, paying their taxes, and contributing in multiple ways to our state and economy.


Hoosier Hospitality or Hoosier Harassment?

Fortunately, Veronica’s children still have their mother with them this Thanksgiving, despite the cruel antics of a rogue cop. Hoosier hospitality in Indiana? There’s sure a lot less of it these days. Instead, Hoosier harassment by our government officials and defenders seems to be on the rise.

Dear Senator Mike Delph:

I am very honored and grateful that we had the opportunity to talk personally this past Tuesday at the meeting in the State House. I was encouraged by the questions and interactions and appreciated your attitude very much.

Clearly we share a number similar concerns for the immigrant community, and I can sense that you are a man of compassion and moral convictions. I can appreciate the fact that you are looking for a way to address the abuses of unscrupulous employers against their undocumented workers. Still, a large part of the Hispanic community sees your approach as a veiled attempt to put the squeeze on these workers, and my sense is that it would have this effect even though this may not be your intent.

Regarding one possible difference of perspective between us, I think that I would favor more strongly a comprehensive approach to addressing this problem than you would for two reasons that are really the same with a different focus.

1. Many of the people that will be affected by policy changes and increased enforcement have been here for years, including both undocumented and documented persons.
2. Those who would be affected now have families with a lot more innocent children than we may realize.

I understand that this current situation is mainly due to negligence, poor coordination, and complicity by our Federal Government from 1986 to the present, but that’s the hand that we’ve been dealt. On one hand, I realize that opponents to comprehensive reform equate it with amnesty, to which they are categorically opposed. Thus the impasse. On the other hand, a piecemeal approach today will hurt too many people.

For these reasons, I would be a lot more comfortable with your bill if it were included as a provision in a more comprehensive approach that directly addresses the situation of the undocumented persons and their families living among us, taking into account things like
1. the length of time they have been in the country,
2. proof of no criminal record,
3. proof of paid taxes and fulfillment of other civic responsibilities,
4. ways to attend to the needs of the dependents that would be affected,
5. pathways to normalize their situations and bring them out of the shadows,
6. Etc. (this is not intended to be an exhaustive list)

My main disappointment on Tuesday was to learn that we still are lacking solid data regarding crucial information such as
1. The numbers of people both documented and undocumented that would be affected, and
2. The amount of revenues that our government receives from the I-9 tax filings by undocumented workers (I think the total may be surprising, as all those that I know are paying their taxes faithfully in hopes that this will help their cases with the INS).

As I consider the huge and complex challenges that you and your colleagues face regarding this issue, I am convinced that statesmanship is the only viable way forward. I sense that you could help to provide this kind of leadership with the help of God. For these reasons, you can be assured of my thoughts and prayers.

Respectfully,

Norman

Immigration Policies in Indiana

My Testimony to the

Indiana Interim Study Committee

on Immigration Issues

(Tuesday, October 7, 2008)

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Following is an abridged text of my testimony to the Indiana Interim Study Committee on Immigration Issues regarding the effect of immigration policy on religious communities. Three other representatives also gave their testimonies. I sensed a sincere desire by the Committee members to learn about this matter. Their questions were insightful, and they seemed appreciative of our involvement in this way. Please join me in praying for the members of this Committee, that God will guide them as they seek an appropriate response to the immigration situation in our state.

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First, I want to begin by thanking you for this opportunity to give my testimony regarding the effects of immigration policy on religious communities. I am a Hoosier and have lived in Lafayette, Marion, and Indianapolis for all but fifteen years of my life. During twelve of those years away, my wife and I lived in Latin America—in Costa Rica, Peru, and Puerto Rico. Currently we attend a Hispanic church in the greater Indianapolis area where we were among the founding members eight years ago. So I come to you as a Hoosier and also as a person of faith.

Second, I want you to know that I share similar concerns with most of you regarding the immigration problem. So I’m grateful for this study committee and for your serious and responsible approach to your assignment. You are demonstrating your awareness of the complexities of this situation, as you explore the possible human impact of our state’s immigration policy.

Third, based upon my years of acquaintances with Hispanics here in Indiana, I want to emphasize the following realities:

That the vast majority of undocumented immigrants do not fit the stereotype of “illegals” that is often portrayed in the press and media, that is of recently arrived single men idly standing around on downtown street corners.

Instead, most of the undocumented people that I know have been here in Indiana for five, six, eight or ten years or more, they have stable marriages and children, and the majority work hard in the jobs they find and are appreciated for the quality of their work and their dependability.

The primary reason they came to the states is to find a better life for themselves and their children. They were encouraged by the success of previous immigrants who gained citizenship through the amnesty program in the mid-1980s. Those I know did not come in the back of a crowded truck. Instead, they came to Indiana one by one much like you or I would move from one state to another in search of a better job. Many entered our country with tourist or student visas or temporary work permits and now, years later, have practically cut all ties with their homeland. Today they are striving to make a new life for themselves and their families here and are doing their best to live in a responsible way—working hard, paying taxes and buying homes.

Fourth, we all know that the immigration system is broken, and for years our nation has been ambivalent regarding how to react to these immigrants. Meanwhile, many of us have benefitted from their presence among us. They’ve helped to harvest our crops, build our homes, care for our lawns, serve us in restaurants, and work in our banks and increasingly throughout our manufacturing and business sector. The ambivalent way that our nation and state has reacted for so many years to these immigrants living among us could be compared to a common law marriage to which we have given tacit approval. Now, because we have not reacted otherwise in a timely manner, there are thousands of children to take into account.

Fifth, the more recent push at the state level to address this immigration problem has made life increasingly difficult for these longtime, hardworking and otherwise responsible Hispanics and their families in our state. Here I am referring to actions like the no-match letters that resulted earlier this year in the suspension of reportedly 50,000 to 55,000 driver’s licenses. Previously they were able to hold licenses based upon less stringent documentation requirements, even while their cases languished in the Immigration and Naturalization Office. Now their licenses have been suspended because they have not yet received a social security number. For many that I know, returning to their home country with their families is not a viable option. Consequently, they have few choices other than to drive without a license in order to provide for their families.

The legislation proposed during the last session to penalize the employers of undocumented workers was also designed to squeeze these immigrant residents. Twenty years ago, these kinds of punitive measures alone may have been more appropriate. But not today given the history and complexities of the current situation and the thousands of people that would now be adversely affected.

To wrap up my comments, I want to call our attention to three basic principles that I believe are relevant to the immigration situation:

1. That all people are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

It is noteworthy that this statement by our founding fathers made no distinction between those who are documented and those who arrive here with nothing in their hands. Nor does the poem at the Statue of Liberty by Emma Lazarus make such a distinction.

Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!

This principle regarding certain unalienable rights for all who come to live among us is core to who we are as a people and a nation. So also is a second important principle.

2. That as residents and citizens of this nation and as moral persons, we ought to respect and submit to the laws of the land, except when they are in contradiction to higher principles.

This second principle is crucial, and its caveat is vital to a government of, by and for the people. The laws of the land must be obeyed and upheld, but they should not be allowed to trump other higher principles of human life and morality. There are times when we are called as persons with a moral compass to call into question the laws of the land, even though by doing so we as residents and citizens may risk being punished ourselves.

However, my primarily purpose today is not to call attention to the effect of immigration policies on the undocumented adult immigrants among us. Rather, my primary purpose is to call our attention to the effect of these policies on the thousands of children that are the innocent dependents of these adult immigrants. Recent estimates suggest that the number of undocumented immigrants in Indiana may be as many as 100,000 to 120,000, and I believe that at least a third of that number must be children.

Some will counter, “But the ones who are responsible are their undocumented parents.” And I agree. However, when children are put in harm’s way because of the actions of their parents, whatever may be the reasons, then someone needs to step in the gap.

This brings me to a third principle that is relevant to the current immigration situation:

3. That our government has a special responsibility regarding the young, the aged, and the marginalized.

The moral test of government is how it treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the aged; and those in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy and the handicapped.
(Hubert H. Humphrey)

For these reasons, I urge you as my representatives to give special attention to the potential effect of immigration policy on the innocent children of those who are not yet documented. These children are living among us through no choice of their own, and your response to this situation will have huge implications regarding their present and future well-being.

Indiana Hurting Thousands of Children

Thousands of innocent dependents of undocumented immigrants are hurting today due to recent measures by Indiana government officials. Frustrated by the inaction of the federal government to stem the tide of illegal immigration to Indiana, state authorities have taken matters into their own hands. Unfortunately, as many as 40,000 innocent children are suffering in the shadows from these poorly conceived schemes. Crusaders against “illegals” may callously dismiss concerns for these voiceless victims, saying that all the blame belongs to their parents and guardians for bringing these children here in the first place. However, a dispassionate look at this situation reveals that our government should also be held responsible for this suffering.

Look the Other Way

For more than twenty years, we have allowed thousands of immigrants to come and live in our state. We received them with Hoosier hospitality, and they eagerly became a part of the fabric of our communities, building our houses, caring for our lawns, serving in our restaurants, and paying income taxes. They married and established families.

The way we have responded communicated that we accepted them and affirmed their decision to integrate into our communities and lives. We required minimum paperwork for them to get a driver’s license and to work in our factories, banks, and other businesses. Over the years, they have severed ties with their countries of origin and have held on to their dream of becoming American citizens, while their paperwork has piled up in our immigration offices. Their children, a growing number who are American born citizens, became friends with our children and many have excelled in our schools.

Use a Big Stick

Then a year ago, frustrated by the failure of the federal government to enact immigration reform in the face of a growing tide of immigrants, Indiana officials decided to take matters into their own hands. Hoosier hospitality morphed into Hoosier hostility. Legislators hotly debated a bill authored by Senator Mike Delph (Carmel), designed to run many immigrant workers out of the state. Then in the late winter (early 2008) the Bureau of Motor Vehicles suspended as many as 55,000 drivers’ licenses based on more stringent requirements. More recently, raids have been carried out on businesses that hire Hispanic workers, and drivers have been stopped to check for licenses in areas with a greater Hispanic presence. Meanwhile, Delph promises to continue to push his punitive proposal in the upcoming legislative session.

Unfortunately, these heavy handed strategies target all undocumented immigrants without differentiating between those whom we’ve allowed to put down roots among us from the flood of more recent arrivals. The more frequent stereotype of “illegals” portrays them as newly-arrived single young men standing in groups on street corners or running in gangs. We see them on the evening news being led out of factories in handcuffs or clandestinely crammed in the back of trucks and trailers.

But these images do not give us the complete picture of all those who are affected. Countless families who have lived among us for years have been driven into the shadows over the past year because of the ineptitude of our immigration system and these big stick measures of our state government. For many of them, returning to their homeland is no longer a viable option. With nowhere else to go and shrinking job opportunities, parents struggle to provide for their families and hesitate to seek help when problems arise. Far too often, hard working mothers and fathers are arrested and deported for no other reason than that they no longer have their documents in order. Families are torn apart. As a result, thousands of their children and innocent dependents are suffering.

Hit and Run by Driver with Suspended License

A woman was struck today. Another hit and run by a driver with a suspended license. Thanks to Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels, Secretary of State Todd Rokita and the BMV, innocent people get to pick up the tab again. We can especially thank our leaders in part for the “run,” including the added expenses that we all will be paying sooner or later.

Earlier this year, up to 55,000 drivers in Indiana had their licenses suspended, as part of a coordinated effort to force people without social security numbers to leave the state. Mike Delph’s recently failed attempt to penalize employers of undocumented workers was another component of their plan (See previous post below dated March 17, 2008). While some of these drivers no doubt left, many are still here and will probably stay for a long time, now driving with suspended licenses. Many of these formerly licensed drivers have realized that their vehicle insurance is worthless, since their companies won’t cover them with suspended licenses.

Instead of driving all these people from the state, many have been driven underground. This is another reason that a comprehensive reform of our immigration laws is needed. These piecemeal approaches to solve the problem are marginalizing people who previously were paying their own insurance. Meanwhile, the rest of us can expect to pick up the tab.

Mike Delph, Undocumented Immigrants, and True Christianity

Does Mike Delph's approach to the problem of undocumented immigrant workers harmonize with his claim to be a Christian?

Whew!!! Time ran out on Senator Mike Delph’s (R) bill in this year’s session of the Indiana State legislature, although he’s expected to try again! His plan was to penalize employers who knowingly hire undocumented immigrants. While immigration reform is sorely needed, Delph’s sweeping approach did not take into account the complexities of the problem nor consider the many innocent people that would have been hurt by it.

It’s obvious that Delph’s poorly conceived solution to solving the immigration problem resonates with some highly vocal residents of the state, although his claim that the majority of Hoosiers were supporting him is debatable. If the comments posted on Indianapolis Star articles covering the topic are indicative of the kinds of people that rallied around him, some of his supporters seemed to be pretty unsavory characters. (See link in the upper right corner of this blog page) Fortunately a considerable number of Hoosiers are more open-minded on this subject than it may seem by the reactionary comments posted on this Star site. Indiana State legislators also sensed this and reconsidered their original views on this matter.

It is troubling the way that both Delph and those that supported him have not been able to reflect the higher level of intellectual and moral reasoning required to solve these kinds of complex human problems. Instead, all that seemed to matter to Delph and his supporters was “the law.” His reasoning was disappointedly truncated.

• Forget about our complicities as the problem has developed over the past twenty years, allowing thousands of people to move to our state and intertwine their lives in our communities.

• Disregard the fact that our nation’s economical policies have greatly benefited us while wrecking devastating consequences on our neighbors to the south and elsewhere.

• Ignore the contribution of those who’ve come here to build our homes, harvest our fruits and vegetables, prepare and serve our food, manicure our lawns, remodel our bathrooms and sun porches, stock our store shelves, and clean our malls at night—jobs that many Americans are not willing to do and for bargain basement wages that have held down the cost of these benefits for the rest of us.

• Grossly generalize and thus mischaracterize these immigrants, pretending that they consist predominately of recently arrived restless young males, still wet from swimming across the Rio Grand, and forgetting about the thousands of families that have been here for many years and now consider this their only home.

• Imagine that 12 million people can uproot their lives and move back to their home country, where there is little or nothing to which to return—no home, no land, no job, no family, no friends.

• Deny that a majority of these workers are faithfully paying taxes in hopes that someday this will bode well for them in achieving their goal of US residency and citizenship.

• Overlook the thousands of innocent dependents of these undocumented immigrants, many who are American born citizens or were brought here as young infants and children. Just say, they are not our problem.

No, says Delph and his crusaders, we’ll just brush all these considerations aside. The law is the law is the law, and that’s all there is to it. This simplistic mantra has been repeated thousands of times in recent weeks. The law must be enforced, and the solution is simple. We’ll make life impossible for all these “illegals” (this dehumanizing term is used intentionally), so these less-than-human creatures will go somewhere else. If we join forces with the Indiana BMV, who is summarily invalidating thousands of these immigrants’ driver’s licenses, hopefully most of these “illegals” will just leave our country. Perhaps this kind of sweeping approach may have been more appropriate twenty years ago. Now it is neither practical nor humanitarian.

Admittedly it is not possible to know for sure Delph's motivations in authoring his proposed legislation. He claims that their ethnic background was not an issue for him, so we ought to at least give him the benefit of the doubt on that matter. Still it is very naïve on his part to overlook the possibility that his approach would be viewed as a racial issue by others. In addition, his measure, should it have become law, would most certainly have been used by less honorable people for decidedly discriminatory purposes.

Curiously, Delph, who otherwise seems to be a fairly intelligent person, wonders why his initiative has met with so much opposition. Instead of recognizing his own shortcomings in devising a solution, he blames his opponents for being unreasonable.

“The answer to your puzzle, Mr. Delph, is simple. Your analysis of the problem is simplistic and skewed and your proposed solution is considered inappropriate and nefarious by more sensible people.”

But there’s even more to cause concern. In response to an unkind article in an area Hispanic newspaper, the Senator cited his church attendance in an attempt to present himself as a good Christian (“Indiana Senator Upset over Newspaper Headline,” March 1, 2008, www.wthr.com). While church attendance is a helpful discipline, true Christians are also called to practice a number of other important virtues of godly people. Foremost among these Christian virtues are the following:

(1) Obedience of the Great Commandment, to love God with all our heart and soul and mind and our neighbor as ourselves.

(2) Submission to the authorities above us and obedience of the laws of our land except when they are in contradiction to biblical principles.

(3) Hospitality, especially to those in need, such as strangers, aliens, immigrants, children and widows.

(4) Justice balanced by grace, with careful attention to defending those who are powerless and marginalized.

One more observation is noteworthy in this regard. Christians are not exempted from practicing these virtues toward others who may not have their immigration documents. Even for those caught in their sins, Jesus was eager to forgive and provide a way of escape.

If Mike Delph really wants to present himself as a good Christian, he would be well advised to practice all the virtues as set forth by Christ's example and the Scriptures in both his political and private life. Adding these virtues to his approach would also greatly improve the chances for him to have a positive role in future endeavors to solve this problem. More importantly, he will also have a much greater hope of hearing someday the approving words of the Christ whom he claims to follow:

Come, you who are blessed by my Father, take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.

Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters, you did for me. (Matthew 25:34, 40 NIV)