In response to Dr. Kamila Valenta’s Dec. 22, 2017, commentary “Stand up to violent extremism by supporting immigration,” I would like to say that if a country allows 10,000 Muslims to come in, people may feel alienated and thus be easily radicalized. Whether or not these are the wishes of the native population isn’t asked – or seemingly cared about. Read the commentary.
Make no mistake, several countries – primarily Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Syria – have been unjustly destroyed since 2001, and the countries that pushed for their destruction (the United States, the United Kingdom and others) should pay for their rebuilding.
But using these unjust invasions and destructive policies to justify mass resettlement of refugees in this country is equally unjust.
Bill Federkiel is a parishioner of St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte.
Almost 20 years ago Cardinal Giacomo Biffi said “nations have the right to be nations.” He further made clear that included the right of nations to control their own borders. Regardless of what some people may think, advocating for mass migration and open borders is not Catholic doctrine.
The Holy Family were truly refugees. They didn’t (nor would they have if it were possible) march through Europe searching for the country that could give them the most generous social safety net.
Immigration policy is, or should be, about a nation’s best interests, ensuring a harmonious society and “domestic tranquility.” It’s not about promoting diversity or fulfilling dubious “refugee” quotas.
Furthermore, given the results of such policies throughout Europe, especially Germany and Sweden, it seems clear that these policies are more inspired by a contempt for the native peoples of these countries than by any altruistic principles.
Bill Federkiel is a parishioner of St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte.