Immigration bill offers a second chance

As the Senate considers an immigration bill that includes provisions to enhance border security, create a new guest worker program and give millions of illegal immigrants a path to citizenship as long as they meet certain conditions, conservative activists are up in arms against what they see as an amnesty program that will reward individuals who broke the law by immigrating to the United States illegally.

I’ve stated before that I don’t believe we can effectively secure our borders unless we undertake a massive effort to improve economic opportunities for individuals in their home countries and ensure that individuals can live free from oppression in their own countries. I also continue to believe that the vast majority of the illegal immigrants in our country are contributing to our society – both culturally and economically – and we should recognize their contributions. One way to do so is through a formal process that will lead towards citizenship.

Is this offering a reward for an illegal act? Yes. But, I find it hypocritical of Christian Conservatives to outright reject any type of amnesty for those who are here illegally. Why? Because my bible teaches forgiveness and redemption.

Luke, chapter 6 "37": Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:


Luke, chapter 7 "48": And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.


Matthew, chapter 6 "14": For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:


Ephesians, chapter 1 "7": In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

The word “redemption” is used 20 times in the King James version of the bible. The word “forgive” is used nearly 120 times (thanks to a quick search of The King James Bible at the Electronic Text Center, University of Virginia)

Those individuals who have come to our country in search of a better life, in search of freedom from repression, and in search of opportunity deserve a second chance. They deserve forgiveness for their sin – entering our country illegally – and recognition for the contributions that they make to our society and our economy. They do not deserve the treatment they have received, especially from those who preach forgiveness. And they deserve a chance at redemption.