Illegal immigration is a hot topic in Albert Lea, Minnesota. We’ve had a number of visits from Centro Campesino and others who are marching to raise awareness about the animosity that some folks feel toward immigrants. Needless to say, there are a number of Albert Leans who don’t care for groups who show support for illegal immigrants.

Here is the lead from a recent article in the Albert Lea Tribune titled, “Immigration reform groups march in Albert Lea”:

Carrying a message of hope, justice and fair immigration reform, about 30 people from multiple organizations around the state marched in Albert Lea on Sunday, during what was the last of a series of reform marches over the weekend.

Of particular interest are the kind of comments that get posted after an article like this. Here is an example of a comment written by a fellow who goes by “taxpayer”:

It makes me sick that this was held near the veterans memorial. What a slap in the face to all the vets who gave their lives in order for us to have the rights and lifestyles that we have today(or used to have). I am sick and tired of all of these immigrants whining and crying about EVERYTHIING! One of the reasons that this nation is financially in the crapper today is because of all the catering that we do to these people. Who the heck provided all of these things to our immigrant ancestors when they came to America? NOBODY, that’s who! They earned everything that they got. Nothing was handed to them. If you dont like it here, do us all a favor and leave. Please..let us AMERICANS get back to life as we used to know it.

I’m afraid that this sort of comment is not unusual and not unique to Albert Lea. These kind of comments are being posted on news websites and forums all over the country. And it appears as though the pervasiveness of comments like these won’t cease any time soon.

Every once in a while I add a comment or two of my own just to show that not everyone who reads and posts comments at the Albert Lea Tribune has such a vindictive attitude toward immigrants, but it feels like a losing battle.

Here’s one comment I wrote:

You all have a right to your opinion. I respect that. Just respect that I have a right to treat people kindly whether they are here legally or illegally. They are all God’s children and many of them are trying to support their families the best they know how.

If you feel you have the right to step on them because they’ve broken the law, remember that being merciful is a good thing and using vindictive words toward immigrants probably won’t fix anything. Work to change legislation. It will be far more productive than working to instill fear.

And a response to the above comment from a fellow by the name of “savypro”:

They are all God’s children,,,,,,,,Paaalease,this is not about religon,its about ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS coming here trying to change the laws that mine and yours LEGAL IMMIGRANTS fought and spilled their blood trying to protect.

Yikes. There is a great chasm between folks who view faith as something that doesn’t apply to political discussions, particularly immigration, public health, etc. and folks who view faith as that which teaches us people ought to be respected and treated kindly…even if they knowingly break the law to find a better life for themselves and their families.

My reply to “savypro”:

Savypro, how I treat people, whether they are lawbreakers or not, has everything to do with my relationship with God and my religion.

If you get the chance, stop by the Albert Lea Tribune and leave a comment.