DREAMing with Faith

For some Bible-belters, reforming America’s immigration policies is about more than party politics — it’s a story of redemption.

It’s hardly a secret that Alabama recently passed immigration laws that are nothing short of unabashed racism. Opposition to the so-called “reform” crosses state lines, political aisles, ethnic circles and even faith groups. While the Protestant community has been counted as a staple base for the GOP for decades, the tables are turning — and the term “Moral Majority” could take on a whole new meaning.

There is certainly a Biblical basis for welcoming strangers of a foreign land. Religious leaders recount the lessons taught in the story of the Good Samaritan and other commandments to welcome people of all backgrounds. Further, the pan-religious commandments to simply love and forgive seem to speak specifically to the children who could be helped by the DREAM Act.

But what makes the DREAM Act in particular so appealing to people of faith? Part of it may be common sense. Education for young immigrants simply makes more economic sense than deportation. The capable young woman who aspires to be a doctor wants to help the country that she’s grown up in, not drain money from it. Why would we want to spend more than $23,000 to deport the young man who wants to help fill a national need for skilled engineers? We’ve already invested in these students’ K-12 educations; why not allow them a shot at a college education or a chance to give back to the country by serving in the armed forces? Who cares where they were born — America is their home and we should want them here.

In Birmingham, Ala., there are stories of cross-denominational prayer rallies calling on local politicians to see the light. Members of the Episcopalian church, along with others, have come together to create the “Dream Sabbath Campaign,” which brings DREAMers into churches for dialogue on the subject. Another example is the interfaith leaders who organized a “Jericho march” in support of the Act. There are federal regulations that ban churches from engaging in official political activism, but there has never been a ban on increasing awareness of new ways to spread their Christian love, and individual members of churches can always take part in activism.

DREAM on, Christian brothers and sisters. DREAM on.

Emily Wood is an intern with Campus Progress.

Related Stories

• On May Day, Activists March for Labor, Immigration, Students
• Sen. Rubio’s Immigration Proposal Under Inspection
• Months Long Struggle for Immigrant Rights at Pomona College Gains Attention Nationwide
• POLL: Three of Four Arizonians Favor the DREAM ACT
• SCOTUS Hears Arguments Against Arizona’s SB 1070, Protesters Gather Outside [VIDEO]

Story Tags

• dream_act