Transcript: A CHRISTIAN DIALOGUE ON IMMIGRATION AND SECURITY

Abstract

The government’s primary responsibility is to protect the people over which it has jurisdiction, and that includes enforcing the borders and having immigration laws that can be upheld justly and compassionately. One panelist emphasizes securing the border. Other panelists promote a multi‐faceted approach; the US cannot simply secure the border and not address the reasons people migrate to the US, including economic disparity issues. The government needs to increase employer sanctions and enforce labor laws. There are diminished chances for comprehensive immigration reform following the 2010 midterm elections. [Note: This is an edited and abridged transcript of a panel discussion.]

Keywords:

• North America
• Latin America
• Christianity
• Immigration
• Security
• Law
• Politics
• Public Opinion
• Race & Ethnicity

Notes

1. This is an edited/abridged transcript of the moderated discussion that followed the panelists’ prepared remarks at “Immigration and US Security,” a panel held November 3, 2010, in Washington, DC. The panel was the third in a 3‐panel series on “Immigration Reform: Advancing Human Dignity & Responsibility.” The series was hosted by Nyack College DC Campus, and was sponsored by the Institute for Public Service and Policy Development, the Institute for Global Engagement, the Center for Public Justice, the National Association of Evangelicals, and the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference.

2. All questions from the audience have been paraphrased by the editors for this publication.