How can a love ethic transform the U.S Immigration System?

The movement of man from one to place t another is not a new phenomenon.  Before history was recorded, people migrated out of the cradle of mankind-Africa, to other continent in order to look for food security, protect themselves from hostile events, in search for adventure and such (Chang 27). While some people moved voluntarily, some were forced into slavery in new lands away from their home. Despite the circumstances, human beings are as a result of descendant immigrants. As time went by, the earth was divided by geographical boundaries and laws that totally disregard historical tribal boundaries and wildlife patterns. Nations took the responsibility of protecting the security as well as the wellbeing of the citizens by forcing immigration laws in the name of protecting the security as well as the well-being of the citizens (Chang 28). Because the common man is religious, they are able to differentiate what is moral and what is not. The moral immigration laws are put in place in order to contribute to the public good. Unfortunately, not all immigration laws abide with morality. Some of theme use race, religious beliefs, ethnicity, sexual orientation, class and such to decide on whom to enter the country. In order to look at how ethics can transform the US immigration System, let us look at how the present situation affects the society.

According to Unitarian Universalism, every person has inherent worth and dignity (Erkham 318). As such, it is up to us to acknowledge the fact that we are all products of immigration and how this has shaped us. This is where the love ethics immigration comes in. because human beings rely on moral integrity to guide them; it is high time that we exercise morality amidst immigration chaos that is present today. When it comes to immigration issues, here is where the principle of love thy neighbor as you love thyself applies (Erkham 319). The moral compass challenges mankind to confront powers as well as the structures of evil with justice, kindness and the power of love. As for the Christians, the bible dictates that it is best to love foreigners because we all from Egypt (Leviticus 19;33-34). According to Christian Scriptures, when Jesus was asked, ‘’who is my neighbor?’’, he answered with the parable of the Good Samaritan (Erkham 320). This goes to show that boundaries and laws are not the only guides to who our neighbors are. If we can be able to help each other despite any social division, then that is what the ethics of love is all about.

The Qu’ran guides us that doing to those in need, the neighbors near us, strangers, companions, and even those that we meet (4:36). Even the Declaration of Human Rights provides that everyone has the mandate to leave any country and return upon their liking. As such, the Unitarian Universalist Principle and sources urges us to recognize the opportunities as well as the challenges of human migration (Erkham 321). We should be able to take care of our families, interact with others, and deal with immigration systems with an ethical approach. A closer look into what makes the immigration laws fair is the love ethics in them.  We assume that most nations agree with the melting pot theory. However, when it comes to the real deal, it is evident that there are some countries that tend to discourage immigration of people into their country based on one difference or the other. 

The provision of policies comprise of who migrates, how they migrate and when to migrate worldwide. While immigrants find jobs, have children, build societies and enrich their home countries with new methods, some people declare them illegal and unwelcome (Cochram and Zachary 16). As such, they do not receive the documentation that allows them to be part of the community and this can lead to exploitation.  Take, for instance, in some countries require work visas with employer sponsorship and that can limit them from seeking new job opportunities. Other contracts require erroneous provisions that make it difficult for immigrants to get employment. As such, the numbers of visas are few while the immigrants are many making the system unbalanced and unfair to those who feel the need to explore boundaries. Some of these immigration laws deny people of their civil rights when it comes to protection, labor, wages, safety of work conditions and such. Take, for instance, in the US increased border security has created a loophole for undocumented immigrants who have to cross more dangerous and remote areas unfit for human life.

The increase of tight immigration laws and the rise of detention centers have led to violent of human rights (Cochram and Zachary 16). These centers get away with their actions because there is little accountability and transparency. Take, for instance, the detention centers in the US do not operate within the provided human rights. There are unnecessary lengthy detentions and hence only profiting the prison sector and those who function on the basis of hate. The centers have poor regulations and are mostly overpopulated. People do not have access to essential needs such as medical attention and cost effective measures are not in place (Cochram and Zachary 16). Immigration policies are set aside to consume government resources but do nothing for the people. As a result, many undocumented immigrants and their families live in constant fear of deportation

If we all abide in love ethics, imagine how it would be as a global community. It is wrong to ignore that our societies stem from the fact that we all came from immigrant descendants. The accommodation that we had for each other has diminished due to self-love and insecurity Chang 27). At the present, people do not trust each other and create laws to limit those they term as unfit for their resources. All these new laws go against the love ethics. As we continue to progress, so does our law as it becomes more harsh on the people who are humane as well. If it was up to love ethics, people would be living together, side, by side with no fear or prejudice.

Without the ethics of love, people leave in fear and it affects opportunities such as work, heath services and even the willingness to interact with local people. Putting up laws and enforce unfair immigration policies violate the ethics of love as well as erodes trust between communities (Chang 27). It is evident that racial profiling is as a result of unfair immigration practices like deportation. People go back home broken and bitter because they have to be away from a social unit that they so much desired. The ethics of love considers the fact that immigrants are human like others and will prevent people from treating them in an inhumane manner. However, fear is now what undermines immigrants because of the labels such as illegals. Let us think about how far the ethics of love will take us as society and analyze the benefits.

Works Cited

Chang, Aurora. “Privileged And Undocumented: Toward A Borderland Love Ethic.” The 

Struggles of Identity, Education, and Agency in the Lives of Undocumented Students. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham, 2018. 27-46.

Cochran Jr, Robert F., and Zachary R. Calo, eds. Agape, Justice, and Law: How Might Christian Love Shape Law?. Cambridge University Press, 2017.

Ehrkamp, Patricia, and Caroline Nagel. “Policing The Borders Of Church And Societal Membership: mmigration And Faith-Based Communities In The US South.” Territory, Politics, Governance 5.3 (2017): 318-331.