How Wide the Divide?

As I have watched the discussion in Utah regarding illegal immigration, I’m struck with the difficult situation that it has become… especially for members of the LDS Church. Being a member myself, I have been caught in the firestorm of deliberation over the LDS Church’s seeming confusing compassionate stand on illegal immigration.

One of the strongest arguments against the Church’s compassionate stand is found in it’s own core doctrine. The 12th Article of Faith declares that the Latter-day Saints believe in “obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.” There are some things surrounding illegal immigration that make a compassionate stand extremely difficult. Just the word “illegal” says a lot.

On the other side of the divide, there is another aspect of this situation that puts the Church in a difficult circumstance. What if the Lord is inspiring some of His children in Mexico and other places to risk coming to the US… even illegally? Many of them have found their way into the Church; especially families. The Prophet Joseph Smith once expressed something he had learned from his experience with God:

“Whatever God requires is right, no matter what it is, although we may not see the reason thereof till long after the events transpire” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 256).

I know it doesn’t fully explain the 12th Article of Faith, but it does create some sense of being measured in our response to the situation. So, with that said, as a basicguy I believe the following:

1. We need to first secure the border. It really is a security risk and we live in a very dangerous world.
2. We then need to formulate a fair and manageable immigration policy and process… one that makes sense, requires a commitment to English, encourages acceptance of the American tradition, and one we can afford.
3. Finally, we need to develop a measured but compassionate strategy for dealing with those already here. Some are more deserving than others; some are criminal and need to be deported immediately. However, there are those who truly seek a better opportunity. Is it possible that the US position of turning a blind eye towards our own immigration law has actually encouraged illegal immigration? If so, does that not beg for some compassion for those who are here illegally? In a way, we’re all guilty of illegalities. We risk speeding up to 5 mph over the speed limit because law enforcement allows it. Should we hold our neighbors to a higher standard than the one we ourselves are willing to abide by?

I think we can deal with this issue in a way that both sides will find fair and balanced. I’m just glad that someone smarter than I will be left to figure it out.