Tony Campolo's Illegal Alien Proposal

Given that the brawling between the political left and right over our country’s illegal immigrant problem has accomplished virtually nothing, I get excited when someone proposes something that actually makes some sense. Tony Campolo, a Christian evangelical who polarizes the heck out of my emotions (I either strongly back his views or come out strongly against them), has carved out a middle-of-the-road argument that embraces both law and grace.

Click this link to read his entire article. http://blog.beliefnet.com/godspolitics/2008/03/a-proposal-for-illegal-aliens.html

He proposes that the United States have a “high-wall but a wide gate.” In other words, we need to do everything we can, including the idea of a high wall, to protect our borders from potential drug dealers, criminals and potential terrorists, yet widen the gate so that the poor have every opportunity to come to America regardless of their income status.

Moreover, he proposes some practical solutions for those who are already here without sending them back. “When it comes to dealing with those who are already here, I agree with those who claim that amnesty is not a good idea. These illegal immigrants did break the law, and amnesty would likely invite others to do the same. Law breakers should be dealt with seriously. Allow me to suggest some solutions to this predicament. I propose that undocumented entrants be granted green cards as soon as possible, but they should be required to pay a hefty fine for having broken the law. Also, they should be required to pay back taxes on their past earnings. But, knowing that it would be unlikely for them to have the money to cover these expenses all at once, I suggest that they have as much as 10% of their income deducted in the years that follow until such time as these fines and back taxes are paid off. Those who earn the higher salaries would pay off what they owe sooner, while those with lower salaries would have to take longer to fulfill their obligations.”

For those of us who take the Bible’s commands to help the poor and the alien or stranger seriously, yet understand that we need a solution that discourages law-breaking, Tony Campolo’s proposal brings together the best of both worlds. Let the public discourse begin!