Science or delusions
When my friend and her family came here after world war II they were required to have a sponsor who would ensure that they would not be a financial burden on the taxpayers of the county. Fortunately, many religious organizations helped to identify and pair up sponsors and families. In their case this was not a big risk since the family of my friend was able to eventually make a decent wage and enjoy a good life without, as far as I know, the assistance of food stamps, Medicaid or housing subsidies. This family was very blessed to have the skills and opportunities to become self-sufficient and to create a good life for themselves. The reason that this family was able to come to the United states following the actions of WWII was Eleanor Roosevelt pushed a bill through congress to borrow from future quotas. The laws limiting immigration remained very restrictive and discriminatory until 1965 at which time it was expanded to include some who were formerly not included. There remained a system for family immigration sponsorship and for business sponsorship. There is a user fee for business sponsorship and as well salary requirements. There is also a category entitled temporary agriculture worker.
Recent executive orders will place further restrictions on immigrants who might, for a time, need assistance. Thus, those who need Medicaid, food stamps or other assistance would have their applications for asylum or to join family members denied. Applicants such as Mrs. Trump’s parents would not be denied because the President can afford to provide for them if needed.
It is my understanding that many immigrants – legal and otherwise – pay social security or Medicare taxes without claiming any benefits. Many contribute to the economy by taking jobs that current U.S. citizens do not fill. Immigrants are less likely to be charged with criminal acts.
What is the bottom line in terms of cost of immigrants versus contributions economically? What are root reasons for immigration? How has United States interference in the government of other nations affected the current flow of immigrants? How has climate change to which we, as a nation, contributed affected economic conditions in countries from which individua’s and families are fleeing? What is the cost emotionally, financially, and spiritually of acting as if there is not an interdependence among all nations? What is the cost of pitting one group or one religion against another? What is the cost politically and emotionally of fostering policies which create more desperate, angry people who have to watch their children die from hunger and other forms of violence? How do we come to believe that we are our brothers and sisters’ keepers and turn a blind eye to those who are fleeing physical, emotional and economic poverty?
Lastly what is the basis for our immigration policies. Are they based on:
These are tough questions requiring the rigors which we say we are demanding of church officials, those recovering from addictions and “the least of these”. Are we willing to hold ourselves to the same tough and rigorous standards or are they only meant to be the opiate of the masses?
Written August 15, 2019
Jimmy F Pickett
Coachpickett.org
When my friend and her family came here after world war II they were required to have a sponsor who would ensure that they would not be a financial burden on the taxpayers of the county. Fortunately, many religious organizations helped to identify and pair up sponsors and families. In their case this was not a big risk since the family of my friend was able to eventually make a decent wage and enjoy a good life without, as far as I know, the assistance of food stamps, Medicaid or housing subsidies. This family was very blessed to have the skills and opportunities to become self-sufficient and to create a good life for themselves. The reason that this family was able to come to the United states following the actions of WWII was Eleanor Roosevelt pushed a bill through congress to borrow from future quotas. The laws limiting immigration remained very restrictive and discriminatory until 1965 at which time it was expanded to include some who were formerly not included. There remained a system for family immigration sponsorship and for business sponsorship. There is a user fee for business sponsorship and as well salary requirements. There is also a category entitled temporary agriculture worker.
Recent executive orders will place further restrictions on immigrants who might, for a time, need assistance. Thus, those who need Medicaid, food stamps or other assistance would have their applications for asylum or to join family members denied. Applicants such as Mrs. Trump’s parents would not be denied because the President can afford to provide for them if needed.
It is my understanding that many immigrants – legal and otherwise – pay social security or Medicare taxes without claiming any benefits. Many contribute to the economy by taking jobs that current U.S. citizens do not fill. Immigrants are less likely to be charged with criminal acts.
What is the bottom line in terms of cost of immigrants versus contributions economically? What are root reasons for immigration? How has United States interference in the government of other nations affected the current flow of immigrants? How has climate change to which we, as a nation, contributed affected economic conditions in countries from which individua’s and families are fleeing? What is the cost emotionally, financially, and spiritually of acting as if there is not an interdependence among all nations? What is the cost of pitting one group or one religion against another? What is the cost politically and emotionally of fostering policies which create more desperate, angry people who have to watch their children die from hunger and other forms of violence? How do we come to believe that we are our brothers and sisters’ keepers and turn a blind eye to those who are fleeing physical, emotional and economic poverty?
Lastly what is the basis for our immigration policies. Are they based on:
- Moral or ethical imperatives?
- Sound economic facts.
- Shared humidity and responsibility.
- The thinking and behavior of those who benefit on the backs and lives of others.
- What we would want for our children and other relatives ?
- A national budget which favors the profit of defense contractors, weapons manufactures, prison owners and supplies and others for profit individuals and companies?
These are tough questions requiring the rigors which we say we are demanding of church officials, those recovering from addictions and “the least of these”. Are we willing to hold ourselves to the same tough and rigorous standards or are they only meant to be the opiate of the masses?
Written August 15, 2019
Jimmy F Pickett
Coachpickett.org
RSS Feed