THE STRANGER AMONG YOU

Your "Christian" Republican House of Representatives in action.

HR 4437 ("Border Protection, Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act"), sponsored by the father of the REAL ID, James Sensenbrenner of Wisconsin, would not only make it a felony to live in the United States illegally, it would also make it a federal crime to offer services or assistance to illegal immigrants. In other words, churches, social workers, healthcare workers, and teachers could face up to five years in prison and the seizure of some of their assets for being good Samaritans.

In Leviticus 19:34, God says, "But the stranger among you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were sojourners in the land of Egypt; I am the LORD your God." Proverbs 25:21 says, "If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty give him water to drink." In the book of Isaiah, God says, "Thou shalt not oppress the stranger among you."

Can it be any clearer? To those who believe, God has commanded us to give succor and not mistreatment to the immigrant. Yet 203 Republicans and 36 Democrats voted to make it a federal crime to obey that command. Only 17 Republicans voted against the bill.

Yes, it's a good idea to restrict immigration by levying penalties upon companies that hire illegals, by strengthening border security, etc. Within the limits of our law enforcement resources, it's legitimate to return illegals to their country of origin. But while they're here, it is against God's command that we refuse them help when it is needed. To make felons of caring, obedient-to-God aid workers is despicable.

George Bush, of course, that paragon of Christian virtue, praised the legislation.

Tags: HR 4437, Sensenbrenner, Bush, immigration and border security