Enforce It or Change It

I read where the Mayor of Columbus, Ohio – Michael Coleman – has issued an order forbidding any city employees from traveling to Arizona on business.

The reason? He doesn’t like the new law passed in Arizona to protect itself from illegal immigrants. Just why the Mayor of Columbus, Ohio has any good reason to stick his nose into this matter is puzzling. Also puzzling was the headline statement that appeared on MSNBC. As anchor Contessa Brewer discussed Arizona’s new law, the headline statement read, “Law Makes It a Crime to Be Illegal Immigrant”. What part of the word “Illegal” do the Mayor and MSNBC not understand?

Much of this debate has been framed around peripheral issues: the strain on social services, the loss of entry-level jobs to non-Americans vs. the taking of jobs that Americans wont do, the supply of cheap labor (often referred to as “keeping prices low”).

Another problem – let’s face it – is the Democratic Party of politicians sees these immigrants as a new source of votes. I suspect that Mayor Coleman, in planning his political future, is ingratiating himself to the party leadership. I haven’t heard Hizzoner providing any statement whatever regarding the increase of border-related violence and the need to stop it. Give Arizona credit – the legislature and Governor are attempting to stop the violence.

I want to stick my head out and say, “Romans 13:1.” This verse from the Bible states “Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.” Laws are passed for the public good – to protect the larger peace-loving citizenry from deception, predators and those who would inflict bodily or personal harm. Arizona passed this law to protect its larger peace-loving citizenry. Laws can be repealed or they can be changed. Until the law is changed, it should be respected and obeyed. If a worker is “undocumented”, then he or she is here illegally. Enforce the law – it is the will of God. Arizona has brought this issue front and center. This Administration and Congress can no longer ignore laws they don’t want to enforce.

Most Americans do not know that the Mexican government educates its citizens on successful illegal immigration to the United States. The Mexican government’s official publication Guide for the Mexican Migrant is a “how to” booklet written in comic book format. Making it, of course, easily read and comprehended. It provides counsel such as: “Crossing the river can be very risky, especially if you cross alone and at night. Thick clothing increases your weight when wet and makes it hard to swim or float” (this booklet is translated into English at http://www.dallas.org/node/108).

In February 2006 the Charlotte News and Observer reported, “In North Carolina, not a single business has been fined for hiring illegal immigrants since 1999.” Not only Arizona, but other states and localities – including Mayor Coleman and Columbus - need to enforce the law. Lack of enforcement is the heart of the problem – and God has graciously warned us against such apathy.

The scripture speaks clearly. The law exists to protect people. God stands behind the law. This country is not despotic. There is a system to change laws deemed unjust.

Enforce it or change it.