Immigration: A Two-Way Street

Immigration is a phenomenon which is part of everyday life.More and more people are on the move because of armed conflicts, natural disasters, or economic woes.But immigration is not only a problem for displaced people; it is also a problem for the receiving countries, especially in the West, as they try to find resources and policies to provide for immigrants but also to limit their numbers.Christians are no strangers to this process, and find themselves on both sides of the divide.Most Christians in the West are torn between their Christian obligation to help those in need and their desire to keep immigration under control.Politicians and people ask thorny questions.Should Western countries welcome or discourage immigrants?Are immigrants good for the local culture, or do they harm it?Are they a burden or a benefit for the economy?Should illegal immigrants receive amnesty and grace, or should they be punished?Finally, should the Western world continue to receive immigrants, or should the doors be closed?Since its founding in 1776, the United States has been a nation of immigrants; the image of America welcoming the huddled masses to its shores is an integral part of how Americans view themselves and their country.In someone's words, "We Americans used to be proud of opening our doors to immigrants seeking freedom and opportunity.When did that change?"Europe, the Old World, is the top immigration receiving continent and is afraid of being overcome by Asian and African immigrants, so extremists and nationalist parties gain audience and votes by playing to this fear.What is the proper attitude when faced with these sensitive issues?What should be the Christian response to both immigrants and to governments seeking to restrict or limit the number of people crossing their borders?Is there any connection between the Church's mission and immigration?Why do so many immigrants display a religious fervor that is long forgotten in Western societies?What should be the immigrants' attitude