Journal and Courier (IN): Guest column: Immigration reform more than a map to amnesty
media mentionAugust 6, 2013
As an Indiana resident, I become more certain every day that immigration reform will benefit our community and our state. As just one sign of the potential rewards, the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy projects that comprehensive reform will increase local and state taxes paid by Indiana’s undocumented immigrants by nearly $33 million. The institute’s research signals what business leaders already know: Immigrants are good for the economy.
For Hoosiers to reap these benefits, however, and for undocumented immigrants to fully contribute to Indiana, the U.S. House of Representatives must pass legislation that repairs our broken system. Their leadership will boost our prosperity.
Living in Frankfort, I can see how the positive effects of immigration reform will go far beyond economics. Immigration reform will afford some of our best and brightest students the opportunity to go to college and contribute to the community. Parents will be able to drive to work and take their children to school without fear of being arrested for driving without a license. Business owners and farmers will be able to hire the talented and skilled workers they need to succeed, through proper channels, without fearing fines or governmental reprisals.
But above all, immigration will help our community overcome the fear that exists on both sides and divides Latinos and Anglos.
When the fear dividing our community is dispelled, together we will be able to recognize the values that hold us together — family, human dignity and Hoosier hospitality. These common values run deeper than any of the things that divide us.
The common sense bill that’s badly needed from the House would create a road map to earned lawful permanent residency and subsequent citizenship for undocumented immigrants and their families. It would establish laws that are humanely enforced by limiting the use of immigration detention and extending community support programs.
An effective bill would also protect families from separation and guarantee a sufficient supply of visas for families seeking to reunite. Furthermore, it would provide adequate resources to ensure the smooth assimilation of refugees and migrants. Finally, the bill would include better protections for American citizens and migrant laborers.
I know that I’m just one of countless Lutherans and people of all faiths who are calling on the House to pass this type of bill. Our stance is not unique; it unites us with a majority of Americans for a new law that keeps families together and offers a road map to earned citizenship for 11 million aspiring new Americans.
It’s crucially important that the House acts immediately to pass this kind of fair and comprehensive immigration reform bill. Granted, it will take members of both parties reaching across the aisle to put our national interests ahead of squabbling, but that is an achievable goal.
That kind of decisive leadership would do more than provide a road map to citizenship for the aspiring Americans living next door; it would offer a pathway for our entire community to embrace one another, live together peacefully and work together for a more just and compassionate society.
The Rev. Burkholder serves as pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Frankfort.