Whatever a person's feelings about the immigration issue, we can all agree that human life is precious.
According to the Washington Post last week (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/29/AR2009092903212_pf.html) there are already more reported deaths this year due to border crossings than all of last year. Even though most border agencies are reporting less people attempting to come across the border, the death toll in the desert continues to rise.
In the last fifteen years, there has been a concerted, mostly successful effort to block men, women and children from entering into the U.S. through urban border towns such as El Paso and San Diego. As a result, increasing numbers of these families are choosing to cross through more dangerous, more remote desert areas, like along our Arizona border. Their decision to cross despite the warnings and very real dangers is a testimony to their determination.
Every 24 hours one of them dies - from thirst, starvation, extreme weather, fatigue or some combination.
Arizonans for Immigration Reform respects life, all human life. We know that the tragedy of desperation and death played out on Arizona's border will only end with the passage of comprehensive immigration reform. Respect for human life should be an important part of moral conversations about immigration reform now ongoing in congregations throughout our state.
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Immigration reform is needed for justice and enforcement of laws. Without it too many feel justified in breaking laws or discrimination. We are better people than that. We need a well thought out proposal that honors the work done with our implicit consent while protecting the jobs of citizens too. To do less is to condone exploitation and abuse which undermines our entire work force.
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