Before anyone finds it and discloses that my material isn’t original, I confess that I found this Biblical perspective on immigration while perusing the “On Faith” section of WAPO. Not generally inclined to religious musings, this passage from Leviticus caught my attention.
When a stranger dwells among you in your land, do not taunt him. The stranger who dwells with you shall be like a native among you, and you shall love him like yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt. Leviticus 19:33-34.
Instead of doing a lengthy historical and religious analysis of the Biblical passage, it seemed more appropriate, in the current climate, to wonder what the passage might read like if it were written today. Perhaps something like,
When a Spanish speaker dwells among you in your land, do not harass that person. The stranger who dwells with you should be like a neighbor among you, and you should love that person like yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Native Americans.
Just a thought.
Cross posted at Elijah’s Sweete Spot.
Contributor, aka tidbits. Retired attorney in complex litigation, death penalty defense and constitutional law. Former Nat’l Board Chair: Alzheimer’s Association. Served on multiple political campaigns, including two for U.S. Senator Mark O. Hatfield (R-OR). Contributing author to three legal books and multiple legal publications.