Consider This, February 2012

Tuesday is the Presidential Primary Election Day for the State of Missouri.  Here in Springfield, we will also vote on Proposition 1, also called the E-Verify issue.  There have been a myriad of voices in opposition to this proposal including a letter signed by twenty pastors who are against E-Verify.  The letter states that their position is based on the Bible.  However, the scriptures they quote have nothing to do with the reason and purpose of E-Verify.  There is no cost involved, nor have the terrible consequences that have been predicted come to pass.  Biblically speaking, we have the example of the nation Israel, which always distinguished between those who were Hebrews and those who were “strangers.”  How was this done?  If anyone could not prove his ancestry through Temple records, which were meticulously kept, he was a stranger and could not come into the Temple, nor could he own property.  I believe that it is totally in harmony with God’s Word and God’s Will for any nation to establish and guard its borders.  Otherwise the nation loses its autonomy.  Much harm has been done to the United States of America because our federal government has failed for many years to secure the borders.  Some U.S. Christians may honestly have good intentions and may sincerely believe that we should welcome anyone who comes into this country.  I will give them credit for being well intentioned.  However, I do not agree with their reasoning.  First, our laws specify the legal reasons and means by which immigrants may enter the country, establish a residence, attend school and become employed.  As a Christian and as a patriotic American, I support our immigration laws.  I cannot approve and support any illegal activity and that includes illegal immigration.  Second, as a matter of logic, I know that there must be a limit to the financial, civic and societal burdens any nation can assume for an influx of illegal immigrants.  Our nation’s economy is in a serious depression.  Every day there are fewer jobs and more people looking for jobs.  Illegal immigrants are making that situation worse.  Third, it is against the law to hire illegal immigrants.  Why would we oppose a system that ensures that employers obey the law?  I will be voting YES on Proposition 1.