MON (12:05 pm) Hello! Added CTC[1], Immigration Policy with Updated Supplement

COME TO CONSENSUS CORNER

 

Immigration Policy Precursor:

Before considering some ways to address the long-time issue of legal immigration into the United States, there are related issues, that together help to see the significance of taking action, gradually implementing such an approach, which can alleviate some of the problems of our current national plight, and bring greater peace to many. Below I present an approach to streamline the process of permitting worthy persons the prospect of entering the country legally, with family heads working to earn a living and facilitate the program. At the same time, there have been many faithful U.S. workers in factories, some having worked diligently for decades, although this has not been easy for some. Many have looked forward to the coming of God’s Kingdom to bring better opportunity, that some might find work more suitable as loyal U.S. citizens, having become quite dependable and hard-working. There is one more thing that I know has God’s backing that could provide good work for such ones, and allow newer immigrants to assume well-paying factory work to those who wish. 

The plan involves aiding some government employees to start their own well-paying businesses that can actually perform the same work or something of similar benefit to the community at large, where ever they wish to establish it. These businesses could still be associated with the government on some level, although they would no longer officially be direct government employees—they would be self-employed, but having a business associated with the government. They would set up services and fees such as would be appropriate for them, in line with their qualifications, and could hire additional employees, possibly everyone working from home, or having an office for a normal or hybrid-work environment. This is where these many desirable factory employees might come in—to have opportunity to do work associated with caring for people as associated with the government, doing largely computer-based work, with greater flexibility than they have currently working as factory employees. Of course, this arrangement should take place decently and orderly, so that there are dependable, capable, and qualified individuals to assume their responsibilities at the factory upon their work change. 

The government employees could have more control over their earnings, and in some cases continue in much the same way as they have been, with similar contacts, etc. The new businesses should have some sort of government approval and backing, and like insurance, some help to keep going financially if things somehow start out rocky with reason to believe in it’s eventual success. It is possible that several employees could combine together, if doing so may permit a more stable and consistent business. This reduction could take place gradually, as proper care is taken on the importance of preserving national and community interests. This arrangement, carried out properly, could bring much benefit, such as reducing the bloated size of government, the tax burden on U.S. residents, and other measures blessed by God.

The previous week’s conclusion included this thought: Tears of sorrow will all but vanish as we address issue after issue needing attention to be in harmony with GOD’s loving ways and wondrous Word! Let’s look at another issue that needs to be addressed in this nation, the United States, in a reasonable and fair way:

JUSTICE? There is a heavy backlog of cases for those wishing to enter our country properly. In fact, last August, the load of cases reached 1 million, not counting an additional 0.3 million “pending” cases. Most must wait months or years for their cases to complete, and many (not all) cases drag on for nearly two years time! At that time, these cases were evidently being handled by less than 500 judges in the court system. With respect to the president, this may have increased since then, and of course these judges work tirelessly to do what they can, and deserve much commendation. How did God feel about such foreigners in His land of Israel? The people of Israel had become foreign residents in the land of Egypt, before God saved them from slavery there. Likewise many early settlers in the land of the United States had been persecuted religiously in their former land, and were able to escape from such to serve God freely in this land. Thus, in this setting, God told Israel they must view them as He views them:

Deuteronomy 10:18-19 “He executes justice for the fatherless child and the widow and loves the foreign resident, giving him food and clothing. You too must love the foreign resident, for you became foreign residents in the land of Egypt.”

When a case arose involving a foreigner, it was to be handled fairly—impartially, the foreigner was not to be misjudged, but treated as fairly as a native of the land. As Moses had instructed Israel:

Deuteronomy 1:16 “At that time I instructed your judges, ‘When you hear a case between your brothers, you are to judge with righteousness between a man and his brother or a foreign resident.”

How might issues involving immigrants or the increasing migrants at our border looking for a safe refuge be resolved adequately? Supposing God’s Kingdom was to begin rule first in this land, before gradually extending to other lands? How might this potentially grievous situation be handled?

FIRST , the case process needs to be streamlined. It is taking far too long to resolve many cases. The qualifications and standards to be met need to be clarified to all, that they may have all necessary information in order and receive judgment more quickly. Would it not be reasonable for any who wish to apply to enter this country legally to be able to be heard in a matter of weeks at most, and have a resolved case within a week or two afterward? Let’s streamline the process early on, so the cases do not unnecessarily drag out.

NEXT , it will take some time to reduce the caseload. We need additional experienced or qualified judges to handle more cases, to speed up this process. While taking some time, even several years, certain cases may still be earmarked for more urgent attention, as with those in special need of refuge. Let’s set a maximum goal of 10 years time to resolve all cases, until most every case can be handled in a matter of 1-2 weeks time. Let’s find all those recently retired judges who are now receiving their due social security payments, who are willing to come back for a time, receiving wages along with their SSI payments, to reach a total of 110% of their former wage before retirement. Any who would come back for 5 years may receive this wage for that entire time. Thus there may be some monetary incentive to returning to help with this caseload, but should still be considered a labor of love. Also, let those judges who are in their last 5 years of service consider as well extending their work for an additional 5 years, at 110% of their wages at the time they would otherwise be retiring. Thus, there can be, with God’s blessing, an adequate number of experienced judges to handle the additional caseload.

THEN , where are they to work, when the normal legal process must take place in the courts during the day? Why not arrange for a night court to handle these additional cases, in the same courtrooms as being used in the daytime? Additional security can be hired and provisions put in place to reasonably handle this new arrangement. The number of additional judges should not exceed the available courtroom space for night-time work.

HOW will all this be paid for? Remember, most of those wishing to immigrate to this land are coming from a place of meager means—often they are barely able to feed their families. Getting even a menial job in this land can be far more lucrative than employment in their former land. Why not require family heads to pay a percentage of their wages over 5 years time, gradually reducing the amount each year, until they are free of such? Let’s start with 10% the first year, then drop to 8% the next, and so on until the fifth year they need only give 2%. This will not only pay for the additional judges and costs of running the night court system, but may also make possible a fund for some sort of social intervention where needed in some cases. This 5-year time is evidently also the minimum time someone must hold a green card before they may qualify to become a U.S. citizen. Thus when they’ve paid their last dues, they know they now meet at least that part of the criteria.

ALSO , during the time that a family’s case comes up to be heard, and is ongoing, why not take this opportunity to educate this family as regards the laws and value system of our country? We might ensure computer/internet access and a series of instructional tutorials etc. to accomplish this. After all, God required foreign residents of Israel to keep the same laws, and suffer the same penalties for violating them. Thus, they will need to learn these things to live in our land, and abide by such. Thus, God instructed Israel:

Deuteronomy 31:12 Gather the people together, the men, the women, the children, and your foreign resident who is within your cities, in order that they may listen and learn about and fear Jehovah your God and take care to carry out all the words of this Law.

CONCLUSION

JUSTICE. While other aspects of immigration also need to be addressed, certainly a program such as this could be a fine starting point for dealing with the current situation. Why, there may even be enough money in the immigration fund to assist with payment of a hotel stay for those having their cases heard in the court. God’s Kingdom will no doubt lovingly address all such issues in an adequate way, that the conditions foretold for the earth can become a reality—a lovely just and peaceful Paradise, both spiritually, and physically!