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‘Defining’ the challenges of comprehensive immigration reform

Comprehensive immigration reform legislation begins with understanding the word “comprehensive.”

The word means: complete, inclusive, full, wide-ranging, broad, far reaching, across-the-board, thorough and all-embracing. What a powerful word! What a most challenging undertaking.

Then the process must look at the word “immigration.” Immigration is: to come into a country of which one is not a native for permanent residence.

Why? What is going on in the country they are leaving? What is/are the cause(s) that make them want to seek residence in America versus remaining within their own native homeland, culture, language and way of life?

The “how to make it possible” must be grounded in responsibility, freedom, common good, and clear, just and caring policies from the sovereign nations receiving them. What a life-changing decision. What a challenging undertaking for both the immigrant and the sovereign nation.

Following the sequence of this reflection, we now look at the word “reform.” The word means: improvement, reorganization, restructuring, modification, transformation, alteration, change, development, amendment.

How is this possible within a divided, monologue-oriented, partisan, chaotic, present-day collapsing American government which has made the constitution invalid and relative, and has removed itself from the principles, content and grounds of its foundational writers and intent?

And finally we look at “legislation”: the exercise of the power and function of making laws and other rules having the force of authority by virtue of their promulgation by an official organ of state or other organization. What is the origin, the reasoning, the content of the law and rules based upon? Is our present power worthy of being an authority on freedom, responsibility and good? Who has the intelligence to apply all of this?

Then, to end this contemplation: Humanity has been given the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, which gives us the wisdom, eternal reasoning, truths and principles to reflect the criteria for judgment and the directive for action.

I believe I can safely say very few, including our ordained leadership, have contemplated all of this in order to resolve the issue of bringing dignity to all peoples and nations.

The Church will be caringly aiding the immigrant and meeting their human needs, and has already provided the content for reflection. The resolve is not as easy, clear or matter of fact as those involved within it voice.

Let prudence, patience and providence guide this kingdom-coming decision. Let’s not have another man-made, defective, detrimental regulation that does not benefit all.

- Dr. Gary Taylor | Salem