Don't mistreat any foreigners who live in your land. Instead, treat them as well as you treat citizens and love them as much as you love yourself. Remember, you were once foreigners in the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God. (Leviticus 19:33-34, Contemporary English Version)

When Jesus was asked about the commandment to ‘love your neighbor as yourself’, he chose to illustrate his point with a parable about a Samaritan - a despised and feared foreigner.

Over the past few months, both President Obama and members of Congress have been publicly discussing the need for comprehensive immigration reform (CIR). Although it is uncertain whether CIR will be passed this year, Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) has been holding hearings to lay the groundwork for this legislation. As we listen to this ongoing debate, we should remember those who will be impacted.

Sen. Schumer has introduced seven principles as goals for immigration reform. These following principles are significant because Schumer’s office is drafting the CIR legislation, likely to be introduced this fall. 

1. Emphasize the idea that illegal immigration is wrong and must be dramatically reduced.
2. Control the borders through increased enforcement and border security.
3. Establish a mandatory biometric-based employer verification system to screen out undocumented workers.  
4. Require all ‘illegal aliens’ to register, and create a rigorous process for them to earn citizenship.
5. Create more room for legal family immigration and employment-based immigration. 
6. Welcome highly-skilled immigrants, and discourage employers from hiring cheap, low-skilled immigrant workers.
7. Reform employment-based immigration.

It is encouraging to see that the Senate leadership is considering pathways toward family unification and legalization but it is troubling that this reform includes proposals that could lead to more alienation and hurt local communities. The use of labels like ‘illegal aliens’ perpetuates the fear and stereotypes so often found in the immigration debate. Additionally, there is reason to be cautious about a mandatory biometric employment verification system, since these systems occasionally lead to abusive violations of privacy or erroneously reject documented persons, making it hard for them to obtain legal work.    

However, Schumer’s principles of earned citizenship and reform of family-based immigration are hopeful signs that the 12 million undocumented immigrants can someday be included as fully participating members of society. Currently, there are about two million mixed-status families, where some family members are US citizens and others are undocumented.  Many of these people are stuck in bureaucratic nightmares and live with the constant fear of being separated for months or years.

When Jesus was asked about the commandment to ‘love your neighbor as yourself’, he chose to illustrate his point with a parable about a Samaritan - a despised and feared foreigner. This story probably shocked Jesus’ listeners, but it evoked the scriptural call to welcome strangers and treat them with respect. The theme of hospitality and tolerance is central to the biblical vision of justice, and is reflected in God’s command for authorities to “treat [resident foreigners] as well as you treat citizens” (Leviticus 19:34).  

As we consider how our country will deal with immigration issues, we must keep this biblical perspective in mind. Are we mistreating migrant workers when we label them as criminals and deny them the means to a legal livelihood? Is it just to separate families through deportations and bureaucratic barriers?

Using dehumanizing language, walling off border communities, and separating families will create division and fear, not security. Instead, we need creative policies that support family unity, create pathways for citizenship, address the root causes of immigration, strengthen local communities, and protect workers’ rights. We need solutions built upon hope and mutual respect.

Contact your legislators today. For a sample letter based on the MCC U.S. Immigration Policy Principles , click here . To find contact information for your legislators, click here.