Immigration

For those of you who know me well you know not too long ago I was all for closing our borders to anyone who does not meet the highest standards. Now my opinion has changed. I still agree we should not tolerate undocumented, simply for a security issue. However, the current undocumented should not be booted; however, they should be encouraged to come forward to obtain training to obtain documentation. The problem with people is they tend not to want to follow laws if they do not have to do so. For example, a friend of mine was driving and someone hit her. When the cops came they found the other driver was undocumented, so he did not have a license or insurance. The officer stated that Indiana INS does not deport for “minor” infractions. So here this person has broken 2 laws, destroyed my friends auto, and he had no consequences to pay!
On the other hand you hear about the undocumented being given free schooling and even being allowed college. Many of these programs are supported by the taxpayers; however, if they are not here legally, they do not pay taxes. This could be viewed as another form of welfare. I propose to get documentation for all of them, get taxes from them, and enforce our laws on them. I figure anyone who is on foreign soil should obey the laws of that land (as long as they do not come in conflict with God’s laws).
Here is an article from EWTN: http://www.ewtn.com/vnews/getstory_print.asp?number=76835
Take your time and look though this. If anyone reads this let me know your opinion. BTW it would be helpful if you add your religious/political stance. This way I can more fully understand your position. Mine is Catholic/Republican.

EWTNews
16-Mar-2007 -- N
Cardinal O'Malley Calls for More Humane Immigration Policy
Boston, Mar 16, 2007 (CNA) - The immigration raid in New Bedford last week is evidence of the urgent need for comprehensive immigration reform in the United States, said Cardinal Sean O'Malley in a comment published yesterday in the Boston Globe.
"President George W. Bush has called for it, Senators Edward Kennedy and John McCain have worked for it, but the objective has been mired in political rhetoric and obstructive tactics at several levels of the political process," the Cardinal-Archbishop of Boston wrote.
While the people arrested in last week’s raid are illegal immigrants, respecting their humanity and the meeting the needs of the women and children, whose situation is desperate, should be foremost, the cardinal said.
The Cardinal said he is concerned about some of the principles guiding the response and the fact that a policy that meets the immediate needs of those who were caught up in last week's raid is not yet in place.
O’Malley pointed out that in order to be released from custody those arrested in New Bedford had to assert that they were "the sole caretaker" of their children.
“The question is intended to guarantee one parent or caretaker for each child, but reports indicate that this goal has not been met,” he said.
“More important, the question fails to produce an acceptable humanitarian policy. Mothers can be separated from their children, and perhaps deported, as long as there would be a caretaker for the children remaining in Massachusetts,” he stated.
“Our shared respect for humanity and our faith in the promise of a better future call us to do better,” he concluded.