The Rhode Island State Council of Churches has issued some guidelines for people of faith to consider in regards to illegal immigration.  Strangely, the council says, “It is not clear if the U.S. economy is improved or worsened by immigration,” yet if feels compelled to issue a list of recommendations, which if implemented, could hurt the country.  Here are the five guidelines, along with some of my own comments below:

•That people should have equal access to immigration no matter which country they are coming from.

     I disagree.  This should be true for most countries, but there could be a need to restrict access from certain countries, or at least be extra vigilant.

•That caps and quotas not be based on race, gender, income level or party affiliation. 

     I agree with not basing caps and quota on race, gender, or party affiliation.  As for income level, it should be a consideration.  if someone comes to the United States with financial security, there is less chance of them needing assistance, and a greater chance of them making a positive contribution.


•That priority be given to reuniting families and to opening the doors to refugees regardless of their political leanings or the affiliation of their home government.

     Nonsense.  Immigration policy needs to be focused on what is best for the United States, not for individuals who hope to move here.  Policies should place an emphasis on fulfilling the country's needs, not the needs of the citizens of other countries.  For example, if there is a shortage of nurses, then applicants with nursing degrees should receive preference.  To pass over the nurse because someone's relative gained entry a year before is foolish.

•That illegal immigrants who have be in the United States for a certain length of time be afforded a chance for residency without having to go back to their home country.

     Illegal aliens deserve no special  treatment or benefits.  They should be detained, deported, and banned from applying for entry to the United States for a period of time.  Illegal aliens show nothing but disdain for our laws.  They don't deserve an opportunity to receive citizenship, only a ride back to their country.  By the way, I also find it shocking that illegal aliens who have been here the longest would receive preferential treatment over new illegal aliens.  The churches actually want to reward those who are better at evading law enforcement!


•That there be an end to “punitive government actions.”

     "Punitive government actions?"  Translation: The government should stop enforcing our immigration laws.  It should essentially look the other way, providing a policy of open borders.  We need an immigration policy with teeth: Break the law, then be deported.  We need more enforcement, not less.  We need more workplace raids, followed by swift deportation.  As for the businesses, there should be prison sentences and massive fines.  If you can discourage employers through "punitive government actions," you will also discourage illegal aliens from breaking our laws.


     It's pretty easy to see that the Rhode Island Council of Churches has little use for national sovereignty and favors a policy of open borders.  They support breaking the law and believe trespassing should be legal.  I wonder if they would also support a poor person breaking into someone's house to steal food?  After all, if they really need it because they're hungry, then why should be take "punitive government actions" against them?