Much has been made of regarding refugees not only in Minnesota but nationwide.  The high vast majority of these people come to America usually only with the clothes they are wearing. They didn’t leave their country for a joy ride here in America, but rather they were forced to leave due to torture, murders of family members and so forth.  It is impossible for them to go back.

When they are arrive as refugees here in America, federal law does not allow them to work for six months. So now you’ve made it here, accepted, but can’t work due to the law. They have no choice but apply for assistance when they first arrive. Once settled in with a job they will make it as proven in history. Personally I say, change the law. Unfortunately, we have some people against helping people; therefore, they will continue to make it miserable for people like refugees.   Then along the same lines, the same people will say they are costing us money. 

I have great friends who are immigrants and are grateful for what we have provided for them in the beginning.  They preferred to work when they first arrived, but couldn’t due to federal law. If they get caught working, they are then thrown in a county jail that the county likes as it is revenue for their coffers.

They don’t take jobs away from any immigrant that is already here. That is a huge myth. Please do remember we are all immigrants. Many start up businesses, get involved in the community and are loved — loved by people who accepted them. In addition, they do pay taxes even though they aren’t citizens yet.

We are not the only country that allows refugees to come here. Right now there are about 24 countries that accept refugees including Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany and the United Kingdom. The United States is getting a huge reputation, however, of being a bully and selfish. We need to change that stigma. 

I would say the majority of us say that God is No. 1 in our life. If you say that he is No. 1, then we need to follow the scriptures that he has set out for us. There is literally a boatload of scripture both Old and New Testament that supports immigration. Remember the Latin word for “stranger” is “hospitality.” Furthermore, you can’t continue to choose whom of God’s people you are going to support. Being a little Swedish, sure I’d like to say keep the Danes and Norwegians out, but it doesn’t work that way. We are to accept everyone.

Many are vocal about saying the Pledge of Alliance to the flag at many meetings. If you are one of those, please remember these words; “one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

Paul Tuveson

Woodbury