He had many comments in reply the majority being negative towards immigrants. Since then I've been thinking a bit about immigration and I've come to some conclusions. Admittedly they were in my head already but I'm bringing them altogether now.
First of all I am so thankful to God that I was born and live in a safe democratic country. It has its faults and problems but we have free health care and education; we're also free to worship as we choose and say what we think.
Secondly whenever I see or hear of someone going through hard times for whatever reason I think, 'There but for the grace of God.' I could be an addict living on the streets, or a woman forced into sex work, or a refugee fleeing war, famine, dictatorships.
Finally I am so grateful that Jesus lived as he did, that he taught as he did, that he set the example he did.
There are no boundaries in his world and no territorial rights. There is only love. For the friend, the stranger, the enemy, the outcast.
Should everyone then be allowed to enter into any country to live and work? I suppose my answer is yes. But through controlled routes: I certainly don't want enemies of this countries being allowed in freely. But nor do I want tent towns or prisons for refugees, children separated from parents, or inhumane treatment either for those escaping untold horrors or those simply looking for a better life for their families.
How do we pay for it? I don't know but we seem to find money for most things if we want it enough. Correction: if the government wants it enough. And,also, while certain parts of the media would have us believe that we're being inundated by immigrants real figures show us that it's just a tiny proportion of that.
Am I being unrealistic, naive? Probably but I'd rather be that.
4 comments:
I don't understand the widespread hostility to immigrants. So many of us have immigrants in our own families, after all. Jenny, for example, comes from an Irish family. And do they not appreciate what those immigrants are giving our country - skills, businesses, health care, teaching, you name it. Without those immigrants, our country would be in dire straits. As you say, there but for the grace of God. A few unlucky twists of fate and we might ourselves be refugees looking for a safe haven. We're told we can't afford to look after needy immigrants, but we can afford billions for nuclear power stations and nuclear weapons. So much bloody-minded meanness.
Absolutely, Nick. And as you say the figures include Irish, American, and both EU and non-EU passport holders.
AMEN! to both you and Nick. xo
I could add much to it. but my energy level is low. and you BOTH have said it so well.
thank you for tackling a touchy subject. when really it's all about brotherhood.
for some reason mean people (Christians mostly) are coming out of the woodwork here!
I can't help but wonder what Jesus would say to them.
In a way I understand SOME of the hostility. It's when people feel disrespected by people coming in who seem not even to try and integrate (eg not even learning the language).
Having said that I spent years at school slogging at languages because I was determined not to grow up a monoglot and one big ambition I've never fulfilled is to get out of this country and live somewhere else. (I'm not stupid enough to set my heart on any one particular place but I do have a country in mind.) It's not that I don't like Britain but I do feel fed up of this place. I feel some things are better loved from afar and maybe Britain is one of those things!
If I ever do emigrate I will make damn sure I learn the language(s). At first I misunderstood what you meant about Jesus as there definitely were foreign countries back then (ie Jesus spent his infancy in Egypt, not Judea).
But I take your point. I think it's so unfair that a person's labour is worth pennies in one part of the world and yet pounds in another. And this is biting our country in the arse.
I have a theory that if our fridges, freezers, microwaves, cars, tellies etc etc were manufactured here it would benefit the country and the price difference would even out in lower taxes (because we wouldn't have so many unemployed).
Anyway who cares about passports? Let everyone live where they please, I say! If I were Mayor of London I would declare independence and turn London into a mega city state with a population of one billion. Anyone who pleased could come here. I would have the golden paving slabs sponsored by Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier. Wouldn't that be fantastic!!!
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