A small group of us gathered in a home in San Antonio to hear Benita’s story. Her story is why the DREAM ACT needs to become a reality. She was 8 years old when she came to the good ole’ USA– the home of the brave; land of the free. She had no choice. She came with her parents. They were and continue to be undocumented. Case closed. Go back. It’s simple. They have broken the law. It’s all of that, IF the only consideration is the Law. Hearing Benita’s story evokes compassion, dispels stereotypes and compels reason beyond political agendas and fear.
It’s the Law in Texas to educate a child who comes to school (albeit, some form of documentation for the school district). Benita’s parents knew that education was the key to her life–even freedom. She excelled and graduated at age 16 as valedictorian of Jefferson High School in San Antonio. She received a scholarship to Dartmouth and St. Mary’s, San Antonio. She graduated from St Mary’s at age 20 with degree’s in Sociology and Biology. She wants to be an attorney. But even if she went to Law School and she certainly has the intellect, she could never practice. She is not a drug dealer, felon or has a police record; except for being stopped for rolling through a stop sign which began the whole journey of hearings and imminent deportation. But she has no family in Mexico, speaks fluent, articulate English and knows more about USA than Mexico. She years to be an attorney, but obviously she could never practice law.
Enter THE DREAM ACT.
D.R.E.A.M. Act Summary
I understand Christians of all stripes are divided on immigration reform. The D.R.E.A.M. Act makes sense. It should not be a threat to anyone. It’s a hot potato politically. Fundamentalist rhetoric that hides behind the law and nationalism is inconsistent with the heart of God. Liberal ideology that wants government to fix everything for everybody is equally inconsistent with the God of responsibility. Laws can change to reflect what is just and fair.
The Old Testament is clear–be merciful to aliens and strangers as a reflection of God’s hospitality. Human compassion, regardless of status is God’s intent concerning hospitality.Even though the O.T. theocratic, Jesus picks up the same theme of hospitality and deepens it as justice in his ministry In essence, it embodies God’s character. Thinking theologically (getting at the heart of God for all human beings) trumps “It’s the law” orientation as the final word. Just read how Jesus has these conversations in Matthew.
What people think the D.R.E.A.M Act says coupled with deep prejudices and bad theology hinders the very justice God has always been about.
Read. Consider. Pray. Act for the D.R.E.A.M. ACT
Contact your congress person.
Phone: Dial the capital switchboard @ 202-224-3121. They can connect you with any Senator or Representative, even if you don’t know their name (they will connect you using your zip code).
Email: Each Senator/Rep.’s email can be found through the senate.gov or house.gov websit
Benita’s Facebook
It just makes sense. I believe it is God sense.
