Christian Alert - please live the Word on immigration

Immigration reform has been held up in the US Congress because Speaker John Boehner, who is a Roman Catholic, wouldn't allow an up or down floor vote. Here are a few Biblical references to help Speaker Boehner to understand his Christian heritage and motivagte his leadership responsibility.

Hebrews 13:2
Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.


Matthew 25:35
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in...

Message from Sean Cardinal O'Malley of Boston:

Roman Catholics are called to welcome immigrants. Christian teaching notwithstanding, we're descendents of immigrants! 

Some recent coverage from the Boston Globe: 

Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley is hailing the Obama administration’s decision not to deport young, law-abiding illegal immigrants who came here as children.

“This action by the President makes it possible for these young men and women, who have spent most of their lives in this country, to pursue education and employment opportunities and to make a contribution to American society,” O’Malley said in a statement issued today.

“The United States has historically welcomed immigrants from throughout the world, to improve their own lives and to contribute to the common good of our nation,” said O’Malley, who heads the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston.

President Obama’s declaration Friday granting temporary residency to the illegal immigrants received a joyful reception among the state’s immigrant community. 

The Obama administration on Friday granted immigrants brought to America before age 16 the right to apply for deferred action, meaning they will not be deported and can apply for work permits. To be eligible, immigrants must not have any serious criminal convictions and must be in school or have received a high school diploma or its equivalent. They cannot be over age 30.

The decision was hailed by some as a major advance for young people who did not choose to break the law, while critics said it would take jobs and college seats away from Americans, the Globe reported Saturday.

Blogger's note:  I'm confident President Obama would have preferred to expand this action to include even more immigrants, but he has been held back because of the threat of legal action by the Roman Catholic Speaker of the House John Boehner.

Roman Catholics and Christians of all denominations should applaud President Obama's executive action. We are called by our Christian teaching to extend Biblical teachings, about providing care to strangers, and give legal compassionate residency to all immigrants living in the United States.