Why WOULD We Want More Immigrants From…Countries?

In a meeting on immigration reform, after a proposal that would involve increasing the number of immigrants from certain countries, President Donald Trump allegedly asked why we would want more immigrants from “s***hole” countries like Haiti, El Salvador, and those in Africa. After learning of this supposed remark, I sounded off to my husband about how horrid this comment was. After all, even if the governments of some of these counties are corrupt and the majority of their people live in poverty, that doesn’t make the countries or their people, well, insert the 4 letter word here.  I joined the many Christians and non-Christians from both sides of the aisle (and no side of the aisle) in condemning these remarks. But since I know it is the president’s job to ask the hard questions and make the tough calls for the benefit of Americans (keeping in mind America is still the most generous country in the world), I had to ask myself: “Why would we want people from those countries coming to America?” As has been noted, El Salvador and Haiti are filled with crime and unskilled workers – can we afford to take in more of their citizens only to wind up supporting them through welfare or prison?  Is that what we would be doing? Does “give me your poor” mean anything anymore? And what about the entire continent of Africa? Are 57 countries “s***holes” and over a billion African people unworthy of America? Will the folks that want to immigrate to our country help or harm the United States?

Certainly, the government should think critically about immigration before making the call as to the criteria regarding who is allowed to come to our country and who is excluded (such as criminals). It’s one of the government’s jobs to keep Americans as safe as possible. It’s another one of their jobs to be careful with taxpayer dollars and not overburden our already stretched system. But who is good enough and what rationale for wanting to come is acceptable? How does the government decide who we want to allow in? The President got a lot of heat with his remark about wanting more folks from countries like Norway (which resulted in more comparisons to Hitler) but he also has indicated America needs more immigrants from countries in Asia. That last article notes that Trump’s preferences have to do with who he believes will contribute the most to the economy.  I say, America benefits from having people from all over the world within our borders. When immigrants arrive legally and contribute to our society in a variety of ways, we are all the better for it. My African born colleague (a professional counselor and professor), a Haitian-American representative, the Salvadoran American physician, Army veteran, and astronaut in training. These and more – even those who don’t rise to this level of education or profession – should be welcomed.  They most certainly can have a role to play in America, and perhaps we have a role to play in their lives too. How the immigration system should work is a different conversation, but to say we don’t want more people from these countries for fear they won’t contribute much is illogical. Not only that, but we cannot say we believe in the inherent value of all people, but claim that those who may be less educated or less financially stable are disqualified from immigration to our beloved country. Like Rep. Mia Love’s parents, many immigrants are hard working and independent. They came to America in search of the American dream, and they found it. As did my ancestors. And likely yours.

As a Christian, I think of what Heaven will look like. No more countries or continents to divide us. Just one bride with one groom. Jesus wanted us to be united. He prayed – seriously prayed – for the unity of believers. One of my favorite memories is worshiping with sisters in Christ in Jamaica. Poorer than me. Darker skinned than me. More joyful than me. I learned an important lesson during that trip. Money should not divide us. Race should not divide us. Rather, what we have in common should unite us. For Americans and those seeking to become citizens, we should allow our shared love of freedom to bring us together. And if we fear that immigrants won’t contribute, we can help them– teach them the language, work with them to get the training they need for stable employment, invite them to our churches so that we can worship together. Then, maybe we can start to get more of a taste of what Heaven will be like.

In this whole debate, I have grown weary of the self-righteousness of those that have said precious little about the horrible things other politicians and presidents have stated or supported, but who have come out so vehemently against Donald Trump’s rhetoric. Hypocrisy is disingenuous. At the same time, there are many people who have shared their concerned perspective from a legitimate, heartfelt place. One that is seeped in the words of Jesus in Matthew 25:

³⁴ Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.³⁵ For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, ³⁶ I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ ³⁷ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? ³⁸ And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? ³⁹ And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ ⁴⁰ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’

I believe we can – that we must – do as Jesus commands, and that we can do so while protecting our children and watching our bottom line. And while we debate how best to do this, we can certainly do so without ugly comments that are offensive to God and the places and people He created, regardless of what sin has turned them in to. After all, God didn’t make any s***holes.