Mercy should lead effort with immigration

“In truth I tell you, in so far as you did this to one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it to me” (Matthew 25:40). 

The final testament of our relationship with Jesus Christ extends through our relationships with those around us, especially the most vulnerable and marginalized among us from the unborn or the dying to those facing poverty or the immigrant.

As our nation struggles to address serious and complicated issues surrounding immigration, the Church must be a leader in embracing diverse newcomers and providing assistance and pastoral care to immigrants, migrants, refugees and people on the move. 

As the bishops of the United States and Mexico have acknowledged, the current immigration system is badly in need of reform. As a state, we should offer comprehensive recommendations for changing laws and policies to bring about a more humane and just immigration system while protecting Oklahomans. 

Unfortunately, some of the initiatives passed Tuesday by Oklahoma lawmakers fail to consider the humanity of the men, women and families immigrating to the United States. 

The immigration legislation – House Bill 4156 – is deeply flawed.

According to the bill’s authors, its intent is to target criminal actions committed by some undocumented immigrants in the state, most especially related to illegal marijuana grow operations. However, the new law inadvertently will target men and women who are living productive lives with their families, and subject them to jail time, large fines and deportation within 72 hours, separating them from their children.  

Let’s be clear, illegal immigration is wrong, and measures should be considered to protect Oklahoma’s borders, most especially against the influx of human and drug trafficking. One of the basic principles of Catholic teaching on immigration is precisely that “every country has a right to protect its borders.”

But, we also must recognize that the vast majority of undocumented immigrants in Oklahoma are upstanding members of our communities and churches, not violent criminals. They assist their communities in many ways and provide needed services. They are our friends and neighbors. They happen to be some of the most vulnerable in our midst. 

For these families, the proposed bill will only cause fear and trauma. There is a better way.

The solution calls for targeted legislation to address violent crime and the illegal marijuana grow operations that are plaguing Oklahoma’s rural areas while also taking into account the law’s effect on hard-working families who contribute in many positive ways to our communities.

While we are a nation of laws that should be respected, we can implement reform that aligns with our morals and values. We must make sure that the dignity of every human person is respected and promoted in each law we support.

House Bill 4156 is flawed legislation that harms communities, separates families and weakens our economy. It fails to address the real criminal issues we face in Oklahoma – seeking a misguided sense of justice at the expense of mercy.

I implore Governor Stitt to veto the bill upon arrival to his desk, halting its unintended consequences for Oklahoma families.