What is the Catholic Answer to the Border Crisis?

By faith, Catholics are called to be compassionate. In fact, as a faith Catholicism has done more humanitarian work for mankind than all the governments of all time multiplied by ten.

So, when faced with a crisis with a humanitarian component, like the absolute mess on our southern border, do we err on the side of charity and welcome in these poor wretches who seek a better life, or do we remember charity begins at home and law and order is the basis for any functioning society?

Well, let's first define terms. Predominantly Latin illegals are not the only people making the trek across the unguarded border to Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, California, and lord knows where else. Thousands of Chinese nationals, many of them likely intelligence and paramilitary operatives of the Chinese Communist Party, cross on a regular basis. If push ever comes to shove with China over Taiwan or somewhere else in the Pacific, expect these "immigrants" to carry out Beijing assigned tasks that probably target our infrastructure. 

If we limit the question to Latin illegal aliens, then the issue becomes separated by those who are already here and not likely to go back and those who cross the border every day.

As Catholics, especially when it comes to the children involved here, some compassion is in order. But any concern must be tempered by common sense. Somebody broke the law and entered this country illegally for those kids to be here now. Our challenge here is the same challenge we faced at Ellis Island.

That is, to bring new residents into our culture and lifestyle. In effect, to make them traditional Americans. That doesn't mean ignoring their heritage. But as their parents voted with their feet, as the saying goes, the parents made the decision to leave Latin America behind. So be it.

How to go about this, making them good Americans? Programs in schools to immerse them in the English language, American history, and American civics would make a solid start. Maybe scholarships to Catholic parochial schools could be arranged. Then, by way of showing them that adults take responsibility for their actions, prosecute their parents for their illegal entry into the United States. Do not throw the book at them. But perhaps give them community service and probation. After those sentences are successfully served a process of naturalization could be implemented. For those illegals who willfully will not take part in a process of American assimilation? Deportation. 

Per those who will now and soon attempt to cross the border, the answer is simple and easy. Shut it down. Deploy the National Guard of the states involved, that number would be 50 states, and defend the border from any unauthorized crossing. Mine it if you have to. A couple of well publicized kabooms set off in an unoccupied border area may discourage would be illegal immigrants from trying the patience of our border force.

As Catholics, we understand that from both the compassionate and national security standpoints the status quo is unacceptable. We need to show mercy and charity to some who deserve it and who are willing to pay the price for their illegal immigration. 

As for current and future illegals who violate our national sovereignty by flouting our laws, as Catholics who properly believe in law and order, we can advocate one response. Stop them cold in their tracks before they take one step on to American soil.