The United States was founded on principles of freedom. With no state church, an emphasis on personal liberty, and a diverse, democratic population, our country has attracted immigrants since its beginning. The constant influx of non-natives has resulted in heated debates about who to let in, what they need to do to become citizens, and what rights they have as non-citizens. Today, those afraid of terrorists sneaking in as private immigrants press for restrcited overseas immigration policy, while on the Mexican border the government is calling for increased numbers of border patrolmen to keep illegals from crossing into the U.S.
There is no monolithic Christian position on the issue, either. Some feel that outsiders should have to conform to the standards of those already living in the country, including learning the English language and adapting to American culture. Others feel that an exclusivist position is un-Christian and un-American, that we should (as the Statue of Liberty states) open our arms to everyone who seeks refuge on our shores. While you probably have your own opinion, we encourage you to thoroughly understand the arguments of both sides before simply jumping to a conclusion.