Immigration has become something of a political football these days. But it is no less of religious and moral issue as well. The Archdiocese of Detroit has recognized as much, to the point where it is participating in an event today where immigration is the focus. From 10 AM until 2PM this afternoon there will be a conference at Holy Redeemer Church in southwest Detroit which will focus on immigration issues, particularly considering what outreach programs the Church might offer in helping immigrants become accepted into American society as well as make the Church accessible for them. This is as it should be. The Church ought to be at the forefront of immigrant rights. But of course, the Church should be at the forefront of any and all calls for the respect of proper human rights. Especially in areas such as metro Detroit, which has a growing Hispanic population, we need to be aware of and willing to aid our fellow human beings in their search for a better life. We as a nation ought to be willing to accept anyone who wishes to become American become American. It's an old saw that we are a nation of immigrants, and the fact is that we became a great nation in no small way by allowing those who want to live and work in the United States to enter and become citizens. We ought to have relatively liberal immigration laws. Anyone who wants to be here and is no threat to our nation or our way of life should be allowed within our borders. This makes the question of illegal immigration a tough one. It is not unfair to ask whether we ought to deport illegals or simply make them citizens. Yet it is also not fair to ask those who come in legally to wait in line while others who came in illegally are naturalized by a stroke of a pen. The best way to deal with the whole immigration issue is to have reasonably open borders. That way, those who are here can be documented and begin to fully participate in the American system. That may require certain things which, on the surface, appear silly. But we could live with deporting illegal immigrants as a matter of principle, while afterwards allowing those same people back in via the proper routes. Everyone who is no threat to us and are willing to work above board within the United States ought to be accepted here. Only come in the front door, friends. That is not a xenophobic request. It is simply common decency.