The immigration issue in America has more potential to split our members than any other political issue. By substantial margins, a majority of Mormons are Republicans rather than Democrats, an overwhelming majority of us reject same-sex marriage, a majority of us favor smaller rather than larger government.
But immigration is different.
While I have not scientifically polled our membership about the issue, I gather from discussions with my member friends, all of them as active in the Church as can be, that we are quite evenly split.
The Justice Position
Those advocating justice argue points such as …
- The 12th Article of Faith: “We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.” Each nation has the right to pass laws regarding who is allowed to immigrate, and it has the right to enforce those laws.
- There are billions of people who would like to live in America. We cannot assimilate all of them. Therefore, there must be rules and an orderly process or otherwise we would have anarchy, which is not the spirit of the Lord.
- What part of “illegal” didn’t you understand? If people are here illegally, it means they jumped to the head of the line. They must return to their home countries and play by our immigration rules.
- You must show valid identification to so much as rent a DVD, so why not require valid ID verifying the right to be here?
- Many of today’s immigrants want to live by the rules of their old cultures rather than accept and live American values. In addition, many illegal aliens coming across our border have criminal records and feed into and support gangs already here. They feel they can commit crimes with impunity and if pursued flee to Mexico knowing that government will not extradite them. That must be stopped.
My questions to the justice-mongers:
- If roles were reversed and you were born in abject poverty where the illegal alien was born, wouldn’t you try to come here and build a better life? How would you want to be treated?
- What do you do with the 20-year-old who was brought here illegally as a two-year-old child, who has only known the American culture, speaks fluent English, is completing college and shows every sign of becoming a contributing citizen? Exile him to a country he has never known?
- How can we expect our missionaries to be welcomed into other countries if we as American Mormons develop a reputation for being hard-hearted toward the poverty stricken of those countries?
- Do you realize that Latino voters, the majority of them the children or grandchildren of illegal immigrants, supported the prophet’s position on Proposition 8 in greater percentages than did non-Latino Caucasians?
The Mercy Position
Turning to the other side, those who argue for mercy mention these points:
- 2 Nephi 1:6: “Wherefore, I, Lehi, prophesy according to the workings of the Spirit which is in me, that there shall none come into this land save they shall be brought by the hand of the Lord.”
- It’s the Christian way to take care of one another – the hungry, thirsty, sick and afflicted – regardless of how he or she became that way. And we as the re-established original Christian church must naturally lead the way.
- We should not be judgmental. If they’re here, they’re here, and they deserve to be helped.
- Illegal immigrants help our economy. We gain more from their productivity than we suffer in criminal losses or welfare dollars.
- As for the laws, let those in and around government hammer out the immigration and borders legislation that best serves the interests of our country as a whole. Our focus must be to find the downtrodden and help them.
My questions to the mercy-mongers:
- Did the Lord truly bring illegal immigrants here in direct violation of the laws of the land? Does He bring criminal elements here on purpose?
- By refusing to seal our border, have we not become a pressure-relief valve aiding and abetting corrupt officials in feeder countries to stay in power? Shouldn’t we make it tougher for the entrepreneurial and energetic to come here so they will stay in their home countries, agitate for better living conditions and eliminate corruption?
- If those already here are granted a path to citizenship, why will this not encourage even more people to come here illegally, just as happened after the previous amnesty in the 1980s?
- Who should we have mercy on – those who broke the law to come here or those who obediently play by the rules and are waiting in line back in their home countries? We have members of the Church in both groups. Who deserves the most mercy?
A Conundrum
Whatever your position, it makes for a lively discussion at a dinner party. But you should be advised to wait until after dinner to bring it up so the whole evening won’t be a bust if you’re asked to leave.
As for my conversations with friends, I’m asked whether I would apply justice or mercy to the problem. I say both, noting that both sides have a share of logic, both sides cite scriptures, and both sides want the best for America.
They push me for proportions. And recognizing the limits of my intellect, I give them an unequivocal answer:
I don’t know.
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Gary C. Lawrence
