The Debate Over Illegal Immigrants

On Monday, May 1, 2006 millions of illegal immigrants across the United States of America protested to show the impact they could have on work, school, retailers, etc. While many took to the streets and their businesses closed, it seems the only ones they effected were themselves. In our little town of Hartsville, a favorite spot is the Rancho Grande Mexican Restaurant. They too closed in support of the boycott, which simply meant that patrons (including myself) just went to another restaurant and they were the ones that lost money and potentially business. I've already heard several people stating that if they aren't legal, then they were not going to eat there.

While America is made up of immigrants from all over the world, the majority of us are "legal." Our ancestors came through Ellis Island or other ports and did what was necessary to become citizens. All immigrants should still have that same right, because that freedom is what makes people around the world dream of coming to America; but everyone should follow the proper channels and become legal citizens.

We are certainly feeling some of the economic impacts. We pay high insurance premiums for our medical coverage, because hospitals are required to treat those without insurance. We are forced to carry uninsured motorist coverage, because we may end up in an automobile accident with an illegal alien that has no insurance. Our unemployment rate is rising, because companies are hiring illegals so they can pay them less, avoid paying payroll taxes, and avoid paying medical coverage. We continue to go deeper into despair regarding Social Security, because illegal immigrants aren't paying into the system and they have replaced the workers who did.

Now, the icing on the cake is some immigrant having the audacity to change the language and the words to our National Anthem. The recent boycott, the new anthem, the rising unemployment rate, etc. are all reasons why the awareness that illegal immigrants are trying to raise is back-firing on them. Many Congressmen have already voiced their opinion of Monday's antics which caused them to dig their heels in even deeper for immigration reform. The Minutemen are gaining strength and popularity at the Mexican border. Monday's display has done nothing but fuel the fire against illegal immigrants -- it back-fired!

The debate regarding how to deal with these illegal immigrants will rage on; but one thing is certain -- immigrants will continue to flood into this country, because -- America is still the greatest nation in the world! As believers, we must also concern ourselves with how to help these immigrants become citizens of heaven. We must guard ourselves against predjudices and realize that "God so loved the WORLD that He gave His only begotten Son, that WHOSOEVER believeth in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life!"