By: Rebecca van Uitert
Anti-immigrant hostility has long existed in the United States,
and has been increased by the events of September 11. This
anti-immigrant hostility has resulted in a corresponding scrutiny
and criticism of undocumented immigrants currently living within
our borders. Current U.S. immigration laws exploit immigrant
laborers, undermine human dignity, and damage family relationships.
Although undocumented immigrants contribute in myriad ways to the
overall well-being of our society, undocumented immigrants are
treated as subhuman. From a secular perspective, refusing to
recognize the humanity of undocumented immigrants violates the
fundamental American tenet of equality, best captured in the
Declaration of Independence where our forefathers loudly proclaimed
that “all men are created equal.” From a religious perspective, the
inhumane treatment of undocumented immigrants is of immense
concern. The social teachings of both the Catholic Church, and
the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints share common
elements regarding this treatment. An examination of both religious
traditions yields a value system held in common that requires a
compassionate, but pragmatic solution to the unauthorized immigrant
debate in the United States. If our country embraced the common
social principles of the Catholic and Mormon traditions, human
suffering among the undocumented members of our communities could
be alleviated and our immigration policy would finally reflect the
ethic of compassion inherent in our common heritage.