Is it sinful to celebrate the actions being taken by the current administration’s response to immigration?
by Connor Mortel
Objection 1. It seems that a Christian cannot defend the current immigration actions being taken by the new administration because it is stated in the Catechism that “The more prosperous nations are obliged, to the extent they are able, to welcome the foreigner in search of the security and the means of livelihood which he cannot find in his country of origin. Public authorities should see to it that natural right is respected that places a guest under the protection of those who receive him.”
Objection 2. It seems that a Christian cannot defend the current immigration actions being taken by the new administration because it is written “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”
Objection 3: If the actions themselves are wrong, Christians may not defend them and certainly may not celebrate them, even as bystanders who are not taking the actions themselves. For it is written “Though they know God’s decree that those who do such things deserve to die, they not only do them but approve those who practice them.”
Sed contra, St. Thomas Aquinas says (De Regno) “intercourse with foreigners, according to Aristotle’s Politics [V, 3: 1303a 27; VII, 6: 1327a 13-15], is particularly harmful to civic customs. For it is inevitable that strangers, brought up under other laws and customs, will in many cases act as the citizens are not wont to act and thus, since the citizens are drawn by their example to act likewise, their own civic life is upset.” Respondeo, with all rights come certain responsibilities and if those responsibilities are not met then the claim on such rights is no longer the same as it was previously. The Christian does have a responsibility to meet the immigrant with charity but there are limits to those rights in response to the immigrant’s role in fulfilling his own responsibilities. This being said, human dignity must always be respected even in response to failure to fulfill responsibilities. When deportation is justified, the immigrant must still be treated with human dignity during the process.
Reply to Objection 1. The Catechism does indeed say this, however, the same paragraph also states that “Immigrants are obliged to respect with gratitude the material and spiritual heritage of the country that receives them, to obey its laws and to assist in carrying civic burdens.” A previous paragraph states further that “It is the duty of citizens to contribute along with the civil authorities to the good of society in a spirit of truth, justice, solidarity, and freedom. The love and service of one’s country follow from the duty of gratitude and belong to the order of charity. Submission to legitimate authorities and service of the common good require citizens to fulfill their roles in the life of the political community.”
Reply to Objection 2. It is most certainly the responsibility of the Christian to take in the stranger and welcome him. However, this is only true as the CCC explains “to the extent they are able.” If this reaches a point beyond the capabilities of the country then the principle of subsidiarity must be turned to. The civic authorities have an obligation to their own citizens and then to others.
Reply to Objection 3. If the above replies hold then to celebrate such actions would not be sinful but rather would be a celebration of justice being done and it is written “When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous but dismay to evildoers.”