In the eyes of a Christian, we all are "strangers" on this earth. Even the "Native" Americans migrated here to this country at some point in history. My view is that God put ALL of us here on this earth in our appointed times (see Acts 17:24-28, some of my favorite verses in the Bible). All of us - no matter where we are born - are immigrants.
1 Peter 1:17 ~ Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear.
CURRENT U.S. IMMIGRATION ISSUES & LINKS
I received an excellent video link via email this week that got me thinking about our country's rich cultural fabric. The man on the You Tube video makes interesting points about the future of our country if immigration continues at the current rate. This video is more for the adult or high-school aged child and would spark a very interesting essay challenge, in my opinion. The man who is giving this immigration lecture has some great points and wonderful charts and object lessons.
While we are all immigrants, we still should follow the law of the land. I believe that a country (any country) should first protect and help its own natural-born citizens before extending aid to the many whom deserve and need it. I also believe that if you live in a country and work there, you should contribute to tax and the welfare of your state/country before you request a free ride. Compassion is as common as diversity in America... and we have a hard time saying no to people in need. This may just be our downfall if we don't make some changes. Sometimes bad things happen because we are too trusting. Protecting our borders and requiring legal processes for citizenship is a smart way to handle immigration. Giving away free healthcare, education, and welfare to illegals is not. I know legal immigrants (many) who work and contribute to our country legally that do not get such benefits... and I believe everyone should be treated FAIRLY, not one class or race above or below another. I really do believe that Jesus loves the little children of the world - 'red, yellow, black and white'!
To find out what it takes to become a US Citizen: check out the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website. They offer civics instruction and other helpful links for those who desire to become a US Citizen.
Want to know what the White House is up to with Immigration reform? Check their online page for "Comprehensive Immigration Reform".
For the adult reader, there are many more interesting Immigration articles if you are the curious type. I think this site may be put together by someone in California, but I'm not sure. Surely they do have a huge illegal immigrant population there.
U.S. IMMIGRATION LESSONS FOR KIDS & FAMILIES
For the junior high and elementary teacher who wants to teach about countries where immigrants to this nation are coming from; the Scholastic Website has a great Asian Immigration link and a cool Immigration home page. There's also the outstanding link by the Library of Congress; an Immigration lesson plan that has photos, vocabulary, and other resources.
America truly is the "Melting Pot" of the world. I recently discovered that the "Native" American blood in my veins is not Cherokee, but Creek. My husband has Cherokee blood (and more of it than I do Creek, most likely). My kids also have a mixture of Czech, English, Russian, German, Polish, and who knows what other nationalities.
If you want to research where your family roots come from, check out this genealogy website for links that may help in your quest. Cyndi's List is another great genealogy link. Your children might enjoy helping you make a family tree as a homeschool project. Family history is very interesting stuff.
God bless all of us ~ no matter where we are on His planet Earth!
Buzz Words: Homeschooling, Children, Homeschool, Enrichment, History, Education, Family, Immigration, Native American, Migration, Diversity, Lesson Plans, Learning, Heritage, Culture, Genealogy, America, Border
7 comments:
Great Post ! Thanks for sharing that video..
Thanks Judy. Glad you liked it. Neat video, eh? Loved his gumball illustration.
You are correct that we are all immigrants from somewhere. In my own immediate family we are either first or second generations of 5 different ethnicities. "We" all came to America under the established laws of the land and so should everyone else.
Nice post, Heather. :)
Lil' Johnny - I think it's fairly well accepted that the human race started with one set of "parents." All the "evidence" (rather, theories) I've come across points to someplace in or near Africa. There've been numerous documentaries on channels like Discovery, National Geographic, etc., on the subject of origins (most in support of evolution, of which I'm skeptical)
From a Biblical perspective, Native Americans were descendants of Japheth, one of Noah's 3 sons. Japheth's descendant tribes migrated throughout Asia, Europe and parts west. Ham's descendants spread from Canaan and Shem's descendants are the Semitic nations.
I am reading _after the flood_ by Bill cooper that has some FASCINATING genealogies of the British, Irish, etc going back to Japeth, and even Noah. He goes back and looks at the stories, early genealogies, etc. Goes over some of the really early histories. Evidently genealogy was really important early on in these cultures, just like it was to the Jews. This isn't history I've ever read before.
"Native" Americans came over to the Americas from Siberia crossing after the last age. There is evidence if you research it.
Interestingly, about two years ago, there was a program on how certain eastern tribes have European blood. It is believed they came across the Atlantic, also during the ice last age. The program was called "The First Canadians" from the Discovery Channel.
Thanks for all these interesting comments. I am really interested in getting Ken Ham's book about race. I have heard it is very good. I have also read a lot of research pointing to the fact that the sons of Joseph are England and America. Very interesting stuff, but I take it all with a grain of salt. I don't need heavy research to prove to me who my daddy is. :)
Thanks again for contributing to my comments section. I enjoy reading all of your thoughts, even if I don't get time to respond to each of them individually.
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