I have to agree with Daniel Wood.  CHurches are not granting asylum to the aliens, not employing them or providing work for them.  They are just feeding, clothing and sometimes providing shelter.  And you are right, that should not be crimilized.  I hope they strike that from the bill as I see it as a direct attack on the confidentiallity of the Confessional.

DrG

I have to agree with Daniel Wood. CHurches are not granting asylum to the aliens, not employing them or providing work for them. They are just feeding, clothing and sometimes providing shelter. And you are right, that should not be crimilized. I hope they strike that from the bill as I see it as a direct attack on the confidentiallity of the Confessional.

I just think they have no business telling a church what to do.

I just think they have no business telling a church what to do.

Would you feel the same way if a church was giving shelter and food to a mass murderer? Now I'm not saying that immigrants are violent criminals--but they are breaking the law. And yes, while there should be separation of Church and State the Church should not knowingly aid people who are trying to fly under the radar.

I'm torn on the immigration issue in general, but I have no problem telling Churches that they will face prosecution if they help illegals--separation of Church and State does not mean that the Church is above the law.

I agree with DR.... and add, as much as I am cognizant and appreciative of the value and most motives behind Mexican illegal immigrants coming to into the USA, we still need to put a stop to it.

Here in SoCA, and AZ they're draining our infrastructure resources, which derogatorily affects not only our own people, but those that respect the process and immigrate legally. Plus, the majority of the monies earned by Mexican illegal's is not taxed, and sent back to Mexico and spent there.

Would you feel the same way if a church was giving shelter and food to a mass murderer? Now I'm not saying that immigrants are violent criminals--but they are breaking the law. And yes, while there should be separation of Church and State the Church should not knowingly aid people who are trying to fly under the radar.

Knowingly?  That is the rub.  They dont know these people are criminals, just people in need.  And yes, if a mass murderer came to them for help, do you think they would run a background check before providing it?  That is what you are saying, that they must run a background check before helping them.  They are a charity, not an employer or law enforcement agency, and should not be forced to become either.

People's lives are more important than their immigration status. The church can and will continue to feed people. It should not matter who that person is or where they are from. The church can't report these people, or they won't come, and then they won't get fed and will die. It's more important to keep people alive than it is to control the border that way. Try something else, Congress.

look here now, my mother and father came to america, legally, they waited their turn AND then arrived. They did NOT demand the entire country learn Turkish, they learned english, they became citizens, they worked hard and provided for their kids.

I Have no mercy at all for criminals and ANYONE sneaking across the border is breaking the law. WE should not be rewarding ILLEGALS for sneaking here, send them back home.

I Have no mercy at all for criminals and ANYONE sneaking across the border is breaking the law. WE should not be rewarding ILLEGALS for sneaking here, send them back home.

Do you really think that we can just round up 11 million people and send them back to Mexico or put them in jail? These people cook your meals, clean your hotel rooms, care for your children etc. The problem is that American business is addicted to their cheap labor. If the jobs weren't here, they wouldn't come. Though, I do have to agree with you ModMan, that they should try harder to assimilate, learn the language and become a part of this countryt.

I know this is not your point in this article, Inbloom but I had to say it. They are not evil, criminal people. They are hard workers who are looking to build a better life for their families. They risk their lives to come here. As border patrol has increased more immigrants are dying in the dessert, smugglers are making big bucks to get them here which leads to tragic results such as the death of all those people in the back of that semi truck a year or so ago.

The house bill is much too harsh. Hopefully the senate will be able to come up with a more feasible plan. I think the idea of letting them apply for permanent residence after paying a fine is a great one. Let them pay taxes and support the country they are living and working in. Also the economic situation of Mexico has to be addressed. If there aren't jobs and opportunities there, there will not be any stopping them from coming here.

Definately, I think it is ridiculous to punish people for helping anyone. Here is a link to check out for anyone who is interested. It is the justice for immigrants site by the Catholic Church.

Link

#8 by Locamama Monday, March 27, 2006

Do you really think that we can just round up 11 million people and send them back to Mexico or put them in jail?

I guess I should have been more clear, it's the criminals I want sent back home.

And yes, while there should be separation of Church and State the Church should not knowingly aid people who are trying to fly under the radar.

I disagree, shades. Confidentiality is an important part of the job of clergy. While I would personally see it as my duty to advise someone to do things properly, I would refuse to turn them in to the government. And I would refuse to deny them aid.

When I am acting as a minister, I am acting as an emissary of God, not of some earthly government. In those instances, my religious convictions take first priority, and I strongly believe it is a serious sin to deny hospitality to anyone who requests it.

In my case, the situation is hypothetical, because I could not allow just anyone into my home. The safety of my family is first priority. But if I were single, or pastored a church where I could house them, I'd probably be preparing for a stay in Clud Fed.

These people cook your meals, clean your hotel rooms, care for your children etc. The problem is that American business is addicted to their cheap labor. If the jobs weren't here, they wouldn't come.

The people that you are referring to could easily be on an immigrant Visa.  It's illegal to pay an employee without them being in the US legally. 

There are *many* ways to get into the US legally.  What is the incentive for somebody to go through the proper channels if they could get all the benefits by sneaking in?

Churches fall under the legal radar because they are businesses.  I am sure the government doesn't like to see a non-profit institution assisting illegal immigrants.  It doesn't matter what ethical stance you have- if there is a law that you break, you will risk facing the consequences.  If they didn't enforce the churches, what would prevent "churches" from popping up all over to house and feed immigrants who were here illegally?

These people cook your meals, clean your hotel rooms, care for your children etc. The problem is that American business is addicted to their cheap labor. If the jobs weren't here, they wouldn't come.

The people that you are referring to could easily be on an immigrant Visa.  It's illegal to pay an employee without them being in the US legally. 

There are *many* ways to get into the US legally.  What is the incentive for somebody to go through the proper channels if they could get all the benefits by sneaking in?

Churches fall under the legal radar because they are businesses.  I am sure the government doesn't like to see a non-profit institution assisting illegal immigrants.  It doesn't matter what ethical stance you have- if there is a law that you break, you will risk facing the consequences.  If they didn't enforce the churches, what would prevent "churches" from popping up all over to house and feed immigrants who were here illegally?

karma

. It's illegal to pay an employee without them being in the US legally. There are *many* ways to get into the US legally. What is the incentive for somebody to go through the proper channels if they could get all the benefits by sneaking in?

yes, it is illegal but these illegal immigrants are working in our country. Why do we want to vilify them as law breakers but not condemn the business owners who are hiring them? They are just as wrong.

I don't think that it is an easy process going through the legal channels. It takes money which is something they don't have. That's why they're coming here - to make money.

I'm not saying its right. I'm saying that fixing this problem is going to take more than a wall at the border and deporting or incarcerating millions of people who are living and working in this country.

Churches are NOT businesses. They do not make a profit, charge for their services, etc.

They do not make a profit, charge for their services, etc.

Actually, depends on the church. Many of these "Megachurches" offer the pastors a percentage of everything in the collection plate, so while the church might not be for profit, the pastor certainly is. And many of them, sadly, DO charge for services.