We are at a period on our countries history in which there is a great deal of debate over the laws of illegal immigration. I have stated my feelings and opinions to several people, but feel I should write with all clarity my thoughts and their origination's.
I would like to start by discussing laws and their creation. Laws that are created in a democracy are, in general, for the good of the citizens of that country. For example, it is against the law to steal. Reasons for the creation of such a law include, but are not limited to, the protection of individuals’ properties, and maintaining greater safety and peace at large. With that being said, there are laws that regulate the flow of immigrants into our country. Why are they created and put in place? It is the attempt of our government to effectively regulate our economy, to not allow too many additional people which might overwhelm our system. This merely one of the attempts to allow legal residents to maintain their employment. Additionally the government receives taxes from documented immigrants and citizens to pay for things such as education, roads, and other costs. If a individual breaks any law it is at a cost to other citizens. So we can establish that our laws are created, in general, for the greater good of all citizens. We can also establish that those who break the laws are acting against the greater good, and selfishly put themselves above the law.
Let me walk us deeper down the pathway of laws. In the LDS church we believe deeply in laws and abiding them. In section 88 of the Doctrine and Covenants we receive revelation concerning this topic. Verse 34 states, “And again, verily I say unto you, that which is governed by law is also preserved by law and perfected and sanctified by the same.” It is clear and easy to deduct that when one follows a law or laws then they are preserved or protected by the law. If one chooses to immigrate legally then they are protected by our laws, they enjoy all the freedom and safety that comes from these laws and will not fear consequences of immigrating illegally because they abode the law.
We continue in verse 35 to see the what contrasts law abidance. “That which breaketh a law, and abideth not by law, but seeketh to abide in sin, and altogether abideth in sin, cannot be sanctified by law, neither by mercy, justice, nor judgement.” There is great clarity in setting forth the terms of law abidance. An individual follows the law and the law protects that person, they are safe from the consequences of breaking the law. Divergently if one chooses to break the law they are subject to the consequences, they are not protected by law, justice, judgement, or mercy because of their decision.
When I discuss this topic or see it discussed on the news there seems to be a great deal of groups and individuals using stories which they feel allot some sort of exception for breaking these laws. I even hear that it would be best to grant individuals breaking the immigration law citizenship. I have and give mercy, but how can it be logical or right to reward the breaking of a law with the exact opposite of it’s allotted or assigned punishment? Why is there any question at all about how to deal with this situation. If someone is caught speeding they get a ticket. If someone is caught stealing they go to jail. If someone is caught trying to live here illegally they are sent back to their country of origin… is that so complicated? Decisions are made every day and consequences follow. Some decisions have consequences that touch many lives and immigrating illegally is one of those decisions.
I feel sorrow because I know that there are members of the LDS church who are in the US as illegal immigrants. I have known and loved them in the past and would not mean to offend them and upset them. Rather I would ask of them to understand what they are doing. They know of the concepts I mentioned earlier. They know that our twelfth Article of faith states that, “We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring and sustaining the law.” Remaining in the states is a choice and they know the consequences. Making the right choice, the lawful choice is all this boils down to. I stand on the side if making, and sustaining the right and lawful decision.
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