Posted on 04/29/2010 8:49:27 AM PDT by Alex Murphy
Hello Everyone, I am Father David Lamb and I am new to this forum. I would like to answer these 3 questions regarding the morality of immigration laws. If anyone responds please send a copy to my e-mail address or a link to the response. Thank you in advance
1. Is it moral for a state or the federal government to impose controls on immigration?
Fr Dave Answers: Yes, so as long as those immigration laws which control immigration are just and support human life and human dignity recognizing the natural rights of human beings to immigrate in order to find a better life for their families. This requires immigration laws which allow for the swift immigration approval of those in economic peril. Whether that is through means of guest workers, and or sponsorship like it use to be at the turn of the 19/20th century.
2. Is it moral for the government to enforce such laws?
Fr Dave Answers: Yes, however, it is also moral to disobey laws which undermine human life and human dignity, and that are contrary to the common good of the natural rights of human beings.
3. Does the government have the moral right to deport people that have entered the US illegally?
Fr Dave Answers: Fr Dave Answers: Fr Dave Answers: That depends on the circumstances. If a family of illegals have been living in the US peacefully it would be immoral to deport them, instead, they should be granted amnesty if it can be shown that they have made contributions to the common good, even if those contributions are simply supporting their families, which is the primary vocation of married life.
4. Does the government have the moral obligation to give illegal immigrants amnesty?
Fr Dave Answers: YES, so as long as the above conditions are met.
5. Is it immoral to ask people to document or prove they are in the U.S. legally? If so, how is that different than a foreign government asking me to show my papers/passport and prove that I am in their country legally?
Fr Dave Answers: The Constitution of the United States prohibits states from enacting immigration policies which includes asking for “papers” to prove citizenship. In this case the morality of such laws is found in the supreme law of the land which must be obeyed unless it violates human life and human dignity
6. Is it immoral for a government to deny FREE medical coverage to illegal immigrants for non-life threatening conditions?
Fr Dave Answers:YES!!!!!! Medical conditions which require treatment are tied to natural rights the chief being the right to life and human dignity. Whether or not someone is here legally or illegally is irrelevant.
7. Is it immoral to deny illegal immigrants and/or their children access to our FREE public school system?
Fr Dave Answers:YES!!! Education is a natural right and especially for young children. Immigration status is irrelevant.
Hope this helps provide you with moral guidance.
Fr Dave davidmlamb@aol.com
bookmark
Where does our constitution call for open borders and no scrutiny of visitors in our country?
Welcome to Free Republic, Father Lamb.
I deny your authority to act as moral arbiter in matters of US border control or as any US Catholic’s teacher of the US Constitution.
So "Father" Dave, what made you decide to start posting on Free Republic?
lib zot.
IBTZ
There’s maybe a “good side” to your church encouraging the invasion of my nation by the dregs of central and south america?
Thanks for a Catholic Priest moral guidance. From the church of Our Lady of the 'Net?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.