Quick question. Do you folks even read the Church's many statements on immigration and keeping families together? Please keep up with the Brethren.
“Families are meant to be together. Forced separation of working parents from their children weakens families and damages society,” the LDS Church website stated in 2011. “Public officials should create and administer laws that reflect the best of our aspirations as a just and caring society. Such laws will properly balance love for neighbors, family cohesion, and the observance of just and enforceable laws.”
Rob McGhieJune 11, 2018
Let in all illegal immigrants under the guise of brotherly love? I don't think so. I am an immigrant and went through all the requirements and waited in line to get here. Remember there a probably millions of people waiting in line. Is it Christian to try to jump your place in the line? We have laws for a reason.
MichaelJune 11, 2018
Deporting children, along with their illegal parents, keeps families together. Problem solved.
Susan BlossomJune 11, 2018
I have read that a great number of these missing minors entered the country alone, without an adult. What a confusing mess!
AlecAndrusJune 11, 2018
For much of our nation’s history our borders were open The majority of my 64 GGGG grandparents were immigrants who arrived in this country from Britain or Europe with few possessions. They came as families if they could or sent the children on alone. I say open our borders and let us all minister to immigrants as Christ would have us do. Our immigration policy today is NOT Christlike and the Book of Mormon tells us what will happen as a land when we abandon the principles of Godliness. I fear that our country is becoming narcissistic and selfish and mean spirited. We should love one another and embrace with Christlike love all who come with hope and good will.
Glen GibbJune 11, 2018
Most of those immigrants would be welcome in Canada. I lost a BYU scholarship in 1971 because a board member was angry that my country accepted draft dodgers. I realized later that Canada had accepted Hungarian Freedom Fighters in 1956 when the US left them hanging. I am glad for Canada's more docile border policies. New immigrants do strain a country's resources. But for heaven's sake, in time they integrate and become neighbours. North America is LOSING population. Let's show some compassion.
Jeffrey JacobsJune 10, 2018
I see logic and emotion and principle on both sides. Many here feel their jobs, families, even their lives are threatened by illegal immigration.
Immigrants jobs, families, and lives are threatened so they come here. We all need to understand this. Then we need to generate a way to address the nativist concerns while helping the truly needy and threatened refugees. Regular immigrants need to go through the legal channels . This approach satisfies the needs of all sides.
AnonJune 10, 2018
I ma also very disheartened by many of the comments. This is a nation of immigrants. We are blessed both economically, and culturally by the undocumented who are with us, -who are by and large hardworking decant people who simply seek a better life for themselves and their families.
Let the church and Christ be our guide. Undocumented immigrants are welcome within our ranks, serve missions, hold temple recommends. They are our brothers and sisters.
Thank you for this article.
LyricJune 9, 2018
I am so disheartened by the comments here. Immigration laws can be changed to Allie asylum seekers a refuge. Did not God command us to love our nieghbor and take in those seeking refuge? Are we not here on earth to live and serve? Is that not the most basic qualification for salvation? “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren?” What have we become?
True BlueJune 9, 2018
Sister Cluff, My husband would like to know where you got your information. He is a Border Patrol Agent and a Supervisor. When I told my husband about your article, he was appalled! He believes you may have been feed "fake news." He said in his sector that the only times families are separated is when one of the parents is a criminal with a serious crime to his or her name. Otherwise, families stay together. My husband said that if a child is sick, the parent and all the other children in the family go to the doctor or hospital together. He believes all the sectors follow this same policy but is not 100 percent sure of that.
Roger BaileyJune 9, 2018
emotional issue that needs to be looked at objectively... Here's some research out of Oxford https://criminology.oxfordre.com/view/10.1093/acrefore/9780190264079.001.0001/acrefore-9780190264079-e-93
ReneeJune 9, 2018
Question from a Native
are all of these comments coming from immigrants of European descent?
Grammy T.June 8, 2018
It’s awful pure and simple. We are talking people in trouble not criminals. I hate it. The greed and ego of terrible mankind has caused this with wars and shoving people from their homes. They try to find a new home the best they can. If it is as me I’d rather die with my family of poverty and starvation than move to another country and loose my children. Just saying.
RealistJune 8, 2018
Very disengious article. Seems to be advocating parents get free pass to commit crimes or open borders.
KrisyGJune 8, 2018
This policy of punishing children and refugees by separating families at the border is inhumane and unamerican. There is no law requiring this hatefulness, and we must speak out forcefully and unequivocally against this barbarism. "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." Please call your senators and representatives. Ask Senators to support the “Keep Families Together Act," S.3036. Ask representatives to write and sponsor equivalent legislation in the House.
Mitchel PlattJune 8, 2018
The reason we have millions of illegal immigrants in the US is because of our failure to strictly enforce our immigration policies. Should we continue to encourage illegals to come to this country knowing that they will be separated from their children because they are breaking our laws? Many US citizens are separated from their children because they break our laws and go to prison, but we don't see the Church or it's members suggesting we not send these people to prison. The illegal immigrant influx has hurt families in this country in many ways. US families need protection which is why we have immigration laws. Let's enforce them and there will be less illegal immigration and family separation!
ShepJune 8, 2018
This is not a clear-cut situation, so the solution is also muddy. Yes, there are families who leave their home countries because of persecution. There are also families who leave their home countries for simple economic reasons. And among these many sheep are wolves who prey on the innocent, MS-13 being the most visible, but there are other criminal elements.
Why are almost all of these families choosing to pass through multiple countries to get to the US? Why are they only heading north, and not south? Culturally, all those other countries are much closer to their own home countries and language? These are questions that must be answered, and complex as they are.
This is a country of laws. When we begin to ignore laws we don't like, we are on a very slippery slope. Either enforce the law, or change it. When someone crosses the border illegally, they are law-breakers. If they cross illegally with their children, there are consequences, and that can result in separation from their children.
There is no perfect answer to this situation, other than regime change in their home countries, and a turn to honesty and respect from the governments. Due to the extent of the corruption, this will not happen soon.
GoldminerJune 8, 2018
So what is the solution? Emotion is not going to fix the issue. We support the Family, 100%. We also are told to follow the Laws of our nation.
These people rightfully want what is best for their family and I concur. But, without fixing the crime and corrupt government in their home country that does not help the people. That's where it must start. What are the LDS people in these countries doing to change things?
DRRJune 8, 2018
by ignoring the laws and justice, many American families have suffered irreparable damage by illegal aliens who should have been deported but were allowed to stay in sanctuary cities. Drunk driving accidents, shootings, rapes, etc. It is not easy to see that damage to our families when media outlets only show the effect our laws have on foreigners and not the effect ignoring our laws have on our own. If a compromise could be reach, that those who violate laws are removed without interference of special interest groups, people here would be more willing to accept those who come in distress and are willing to work, abide by our laws and love our country. For starters, Judges ought to stop deferring judgments on drug and DWI offenders to circumvent our Immigration laws.
Patricia F. SchellJune 8, 2018
Good information but nothing tells me what I can do to help. This is outrageous. Families stay.together.
JimJune 8, 2018
If anyone of us living in the US went out and broke the law requiring detention, we would be separated from our families. That has been happening much longer then President Trump has been around. If México allows these families into their country, why can’t they share some of the responsibilities of housing and caring for them? We are going to see a major cultural shift if the US continues to become the new Central America. We already are. And who pays for that? I would love to see those with the loudest cries for helping these families put their money where their mouth is.
As a family attempting to LEAGALLY bring a daughtier in law to our home in the US, we are lumped in with the illiagal immigrants. The true discrimination occurs when people who can steal into our country do, and those that don’t share our border must meet a far greater standard to enter.
Why don’t we just get rid of the border altogether. There’s the ticket.
Bot BowlesJune 8, 2018
Whenever a U.S. citizen mother commits a crime, she is incarcerated and others need to take care of her children. The way to keep families together is for illegal immigrants to not break the law, but use lawful means to immigrate to the United States. (Get in line with the thousands of others who have applied for residency.) Alternatively, the U.S. Government should deport the entire family.
Why should illegal immigrants be treated better than U.S. citizens who break the law?
vickieJune 8, 2018
this is a very difficult situation. the people fleeing their country know our laws and what will happen yet they do it anyway. they are counting on the dispute we have over keeping them or not and what we will do to the children. there are other countries nearby who speak their language and are closer so they don't have to go so far. there is a difference between a refugee and a migrant. we as americans do not want to be heartless but we are a country of laws and lawlessness is no good for anyone living here. we have to have laws to protect our country or it will be over run by people who break the law. I believe that we need changes in the way we allow people into the country. maybe changes to the paper work and time frames.
Steve MasseyJune 8, 2018
The US is not the only option. These asylum seekers could go south into South America or stop in Mexico which has a robust economy. Or caravan on up to Canada. See how welcome they would be there. With 12 million +or- already residing in the US affecting our schools, medical care and political system (yes some politicians are working to make them voters) we have done enough. If they insist on coming here, they, not the justice department use the children as pawns.
Comments | Return to Story
Raman JobJune 11, 2018
Quick question. Do you folks even read the Church's many statements on immigration and keeping families together? Please keep up with the Brethren. “Families are meant to be together. Forced separation of working parents from their children weakens families and damages society,” the LDS Church website stated in 2011. “Public officials should create and administer laws that reflect the best of our aspirations as a just and caring society. Such laws will properly balance love for neighbors, family cohesion, and the observance of just and enforceable laws.”
Rob McGhieJune 11, 2018
Let in all illegal immigrants under the guise of brotherly love? I don't think so. I am an immigrant and went through all the requirements and waited in line to get here. Remember there a probably millions of people waiting in line. Is it Christian to try to jump your place in the line? We have laws for a reason.
MichaelJune 11, 2018
Deporting children, along with their illegal parents, keeps families together. Problem solved.
Susan BlossomJune 11, 2018
I have read that a great number of these missing minors entered the country alone, without an adult. What a confusing mess!
AlecAndrusJune 11, 2018
For much of our nation’s history our borders were open The majority of my 64 GGGG grandparents were immigrants who arrived in this country from Britain or Europe with few possessions. They came as families if they could or sent the children on alone. I say open our borders and let us all minister to immigrants as Christ would have us do. Our immigration policy today is NOT Christlike and the Book of Mormon tells us what will happen as a land when we abandon the principles of Godliness. I fear that our country is becoming narcissistic and selfish and mean spirited. We should love one another and embrace with Christlike love all who come with hope and good will.
Glen GibbJune 11, 2018
Most of those immigrants would be welcome in Canada. I lost a BYU scholarship in 1971 because a board member was angry that my country accepted draft dodgers. I realized later that Canada had accepted Hungarian Freedom Fighters in 1956 when the US left them hanging. I am glad for Canada's more docile border policies. New immigrants do strain a country's resources. But for heaven's sake, in time they integrate and become neighbours. North America is LOSING population. Let's show some compassion.
Jeffrey JacobsJune 10, 2018
I see logic and emotion and principle on both sides. Many here feel their jobs, families, even their lives are threatened by illegal immigration. Immigrants jobs, families, and lives are threatened so they come here. We all need to understand this. Then we need to generate a way to address the nativist concerns while helping the truly needy and threatened refugees. Regular immigrants need to go through the legal channels . This approach satisfies the needs of all sides.
AnonJune 10, 2018
I ma also very disheartened by many of the comments. This is a nation of immigrants. We are blessed both economically, and culturally by the undocumented who are with us, -who are by and large hardworking decant people who simply seek a better life for themselves and their families. Let the church and Christ be our guide. Undocumented immigrants are welcome within our ranks, serve missions, hold temple recommends. They are our brothers and sisters. Thank you for this article.
LyricJune 9, 2018
I am so disheartened by the comments here. Immigration laws can be changed to Allie asylum seekers a refuge. Did not God command us to love our nieghbor and take in those seeking refuge? Are we not here on earth to live and serve? Is that not the most basic qualification for salvation? “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren?” What have we become?
True BlueJune 9, 2018
Sister Cluff, My husband would like to know where you got your information. He is a Border Patrol Agent and a Supervisor. When I told my husband about your article, he was appalled! He believes you may have been feed "fake news." He said in his sector that the only times families are separated is when one of the parents is a criminal with a serious crime to his or her name. Otherwise, families stay together. My husband said that if a child is sick, the parent and all the other children in the family go to the doctor or hospital together. He believes all the sectors follow this same policy but is not 100 percent sure of that.
Roger BaileyJune 9, 2018
emotional issue that needs to be looked at objectively... Here's some research out of Oxford https://criminology.oxfordre.com/view/10.1093/acrefore/9780190264079.001.0001/acrefore-9780190264079-e-93
ReneeJune 9, 2018
Question from a Native are all of these comments coming from immigrants of European descent?
Grammy T.June 8, 2018
It’s awful pure and simple. We are talking people in trouble not criminals. I hate it. The greed and ego of terrible mankind has caused this with wars and shoving people from their homes. They try to find a new home the best they can. If it is as me I’d rather die with my family of poverty and starvation than move to another country and loose my children. Just saying.
RealistJune 8, 2018
Very disengious article. Seems to be advocating parents get free pass to commit crimes or open borders.
KrisyGJune 8, 2018
This policy of punishing children and refugees by separating families at the border is inhumane and unamerican. There is no law requiring this hatefulness, and we must speak out forcefully and unequivocally against this barbarism. "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." Please call your senators and representatives. Ask Senators to support the “Keep Families Together Act," S.3036. Ask representatives to write and sponsor equivalent legislation in the House.
Mitchel PlattJune 8, 2018
The reason we have millions of illegal immigrants in the US is because of our failure to strictly enforce our immigration policies. Should we continue to encourage illegals to come to this country knowing that they will be separated from their children because they are breaking our laws? Many US citizens are separated from their children because they break our laws and go to prison, but we don't see the Church or it's members suggesting we not send these people to prison. The illegal immigrant influx has hurt families in this country in many ways. US families need protection which is why we have immigration laws. Let's enforce them and there will be less illegal immigration and family separation!
ShepJune 8, 2018
This is not a clear-cut situation, so the solution is also muddy. Yes, there are families who leave their home countries because of persecution. There are also families who leave their home countries for simple economic reasons. And among these many sheep are wolves who prey on the innocent, MS-13 being the most visible, but there are other criminal elements. Why are almost all of these families choosing to pass through multiple countries to get to the US? Why are they only heading north, and not south? Culturally, all those other countries are much closer to their own home countries and language? These are questions that must be answered, and complex as they are. This is a country of laws. When we begin to ignore laws we don't like, we are on a very slippery slope. Either enforce the law, or change it. When someone crosses the border illegally, they are law-breakers. If they cross illegally with their children, there are consequences, and that can result in separation from their children. There is no perfect answer to this situation, other than regime change in their home countries, and a turn to honesty and respect from the governments. Due to the extent of the corruption, this will not happen soon.
GoldminerJune 8, 2018
So what is the solution? Emotion is not going to fix the issue. We support the Family, 100%. We also are told to follow the Laws of our nation. These people rightfully want what is best for their family and I concur. But, without fixing the crime and corrupt government in their home country that does not help the people. That's where it must start. What are the LDS people in these countries doing to change things?
DRRJune 8, 2018
by ignoring the laws and justice, many American families have suffered irreparable damage by illegal aliens who should have been deported but were allowed to stay in sanctuary cities. Drunk driving accidents, shootings, rapes, etc. It is not easy to see that damage to our families when media outlets only show the effect our laws have on foreigners and not the effect ignoring our laws have on our own. If a compromise could be reach, that those who violate laws are removed without interference of special interest groups, people here would be more willing to accept those who come in distress and are willing to work, abide by our laws and love our country. For starters, Judges ought to stop deferring judgments on drug and DWI offenders to circumvent our Immigration laws.
Patricia F. SchellJune 8, 2018
Good information but nothing tells me what I can do to help. This is outrageous. Families stay.together.
JimJune 8, 2018
If anyone of us living in the US went out and broke the law requiring detention, we would be separated from our families. That has been happening much longer then President Trump has been around. If México allows these families into their country, why can’t they share some of the responsibilities of housing and caring for them? We are going to see a major cultural shift if the US continues to become the new Central America. We already are. And who pays for that? I would love to see those with the loudest cries for helping these families put their money where their mouth is. As a family attempting to LEAGALLY bring a daughtier in law to our home in the US, we are lumped in with the illiagal immigrants. The true discrimination occurs when people who can steal into our country do, and those that don’t share our border must meet a far greater standard to enter. Why don’t we just get rid of the border altogether. There’s the ticket.
Bot BowlesJune 8, 2018
Whenever a U.S. citizen mother commits a crime, she is incarcerated and others need to take care of her children. The way to keep families together is for illegal immigrants to not break the law, but use lawful means to immigrate to the United States. (Get in line with the thousands of others who have applied for residency.) Alternatively, the U.S. Government should deport the entire family. Why should illegal immigrants be treated better than U.S. citizens who break the law?
vickieJune 8, 2018
this is a very difficult situation. the people fleeing their country know our laws and what will happen yet they do it anyway. they are counting on the dispute we have over keeping them or not and what we will do to the children. there are other countries nearby who speak their language and are closer so they don't have to go so far. there is a difference between a refugee and a migrant. we as americans do not want to be heartless but we are a country of laws and lawlessness is no good for anyone living here. we have to have laws to protect our country or it will be over run by people who break the law. I believe that we need changes in the way we allow people into the country. maybe changes to the paper work and time frames.
Steve MasseyJune 8, 2018
The US is not the only option. These asylum seekers could go south into South America or stop in Mexico which has a robust economy. Or caravan on up to Canada. See how welcome they would be there. With 12 million +or- already residing in the US affecting our schools, medical care and political system (yes some politicians are working to make them voters) we have done enough. If they insist on coming here, they, not the justice department use the children as pawns.
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