[Zechariah11]

I agree somewhat with your take on the speech. I do not share your application of the selected Scriptures here, however, Most of those verses deal with individual conduct rather than national policy. It is the same as using the Sermon on the Mount to overthrow capital punishment.

When I see the disregard many Mexican nationals have for the USA, I think of the difficulty Israel had with alien cultures in the first chapter of Judges. That national crisi is followed by Judges 2:3, "They will be thorns in your side and their gods shall be a snare tro you."

I do not believe those in this country that cherish Mexico and disdain the USA should be rounded up, jailed, or abused, but I DO believe that God has allowed them to become thorns in our side.

[catholicfreeper]

I might start a thread soon on the Christian implications of this debate. Those issues are pretty big in how I view this issue. Its a hotbed I know but it should be discussed. For all I know MAry Jesus and Joesph might have been illegal aliens when they fled to Eygpt. Who knows? the Holy Spirit didnt seem to have the current immigration debate in mind when he decided not to inform us on the immigration laws or lack of any for that matter of Egypt. Of course I think the concept of the nation?State we have today is a tad different.

[22cal]

I agree that the speech was geared to Christians. I am of the 'reformed' faith.

But there are also verses about the aliens living among the Jews observing the Sabbath restrictions and other Jewish LAW.

# Exodus 12:49
The same law applies to the native-born and to the alien living among you."

# Leviticus 18:26
But you must keep my decrees and my laws. The native-born and the aliens living among you must not do any of these detestable things,...

# Leviticus 24:22
You are to have the same law for the alien and the native-born. I am the LORD your God.' "

# Numbers 15:16
The same laws and regulations will apply both to you and to the alien living among you.' "

If someone steals $5000 and starts what looks like a wonderful ministry, so what? The first step he or she took was ILLEGAL. Unfortunately all illegals must compound their law-breaking in order to stay here. They end up living a lie.

[xzins]

I agree that whatever we finally do, those Mexicans are valuable in the sight of God and should be treated compassionately and humanely...even if the final decision is deportation.

I also think that any illegal who has long-established ties-- sons, daughters, grandkids -- in this country should be treated with great forebearance.

The correct answer is to close the border and then deal with those who are here on a case by case basis.