This blog is a departure from my usual subject of spirituality - but I felt moved by the recent events in immigration legislation - particularly in Arizona, and I wanted to record my thoughts.
NATIVE AMERICAN IMMIGRANTS?
"It is a remarkable fact that Indian people served the United States long before they were even given United States citizenship. In fact, between 1917 and 1918, over 10,000 Native American people enlisted into the armed services to serve in World War I. Although this was the greatest number of enlisted peoples from any one ethnic culture, citizenship (with the right to vote) for Native Americans was not granted until 1924."
- from "Native Americans in the Military" web article: http://www.hud.gov/offices
I think it might be a tough search to find any existing nation that did not come into existence through the persistent actions of determined "illegal" immigrants.
With the proposal before the Arizona legislation, the new immigration law being suggested will take the history of human rights back to its darker days.
There is a need to separate the word "illegal" from the word "immigrant" - someone should only be illegal if they are involved in legal deception or criminal activities. Immigrants that do not have immigration status or citizenship are merely "unregistered" immigrants.
Citizenship is a right - of birth,marriage and/or due legal process. It is not something that should be taken lightly - it is also not something that should be the vehicle for human rights violations. There is a higher law when it comes to the rights of humans, beyond any border.
FREEDOM OF AND FROM....
I believe I'm right in thinking that the U.S.A. was founded on the principle of freedom.
Freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and although not often spoken of - as a harbor of freedom FROM oppression, poverty and sickness.
Most immigrants come to America for a better life. Some are able to do it legally - some are not. Each case should be reviewed with compassion and dignity before they are deemed as "Illegal."
There are immigrants and citizens who commit criminal acts - these should be the first target of legislation and police action.
Let's give the hard-working, honest "unregistered" immigrants a chance to make their case.
Please let's not turn America (state by state) into another nation that punishes people for trying to improve their lives.
