Nory

Americans, at our best, are a remarkable people. We can be generous to those in need, compassionate to those who suffer, helpful to those who require assistance, and forgiving to those who have harmed us. Above all, Americans are fair-minded. We often root for the underdog and bend over backwards to correct wrongs when people have been mistreated. America has a big heart! Perhaps that is one reason why God has blessed our country.  

I suppose our national character has been partly shaped by our historical narrative. Our nation is a nation of immigrants who learned early on that survival depends on looking out for the other person, regardless of race, creed, or religion, just as the other person looks out for us. The Golden Rule has been America’s guiding principle for the majority of our history.

That’s not to say that we have always lived up to our national character. The stain of slavery will forever blot our nation’s ledger, as will evil organizations like the Ku Klux Klan, White nationalists, Racist skinheads, and other extremist groups. Our nation’s soul must stand vigilant always to guard against the dark forces that threaten our country’s moral fabric, especially during periods of national stress, and stay true to who we are as a people—generous, fair, and benevolent.

Over the last number of months, I have been alarmed—no, that’s not a strong enough word—horrified by the illegal deportation of thousands of immigrants. Sure, in most cases, but not all, these people were undocumented. Nevertheless, migrants are human beings, with rights provided by our U.S. Constitution, and there is no excuse for not following the laws of our land. America is a nation of laws, and our Constitution guarantees due process to anyone on American soil, regardless of their legal status.  

If the stories of many of these migrants who are being deported were more widely known, more Americans would be outraged. Unfortunately, our government often paints migrants as villains, thugs, and undesirables. Nothing could be further from the truth. Most people come to our country simply with the hope of finding a better life. They become productive workers and contribute in untold number of ways to our country’s economy and communities.

Take the case of Nory Sontay Ramos. She fled Guatemala and came to America when she was 8-years-old with her mother, Estella. The small village where they lived had been overrun with violent gangs, and they came to America to start a new life. They are of Mayan descent and spoke only the Mayan language. In a short time, however, Nory learned the English language and began to excel in school and sports. She is now 17-years-old and was looking forward to her senior year in high school. She is an honor student and runs cross-country for her high school in the Los Angeles area. In every way, Nory considers herself an American.

In the summer, Nory and her mother were enjoying lunch with relatives when their lawyer called and reminded them of an appointment they had with immigration services the following day. They had been strictly adhering to their meetings at the immigration center for years, hoping one day for citizenship. In fact, when they first stepped on U.S. soil, they turned themselves in and asked immigration officials for asylum.

Nory Sontay Ramos & Mother, Estella

Their appointment was on June 30th. They arrived early for the 10:00 a.m. meeting and waited hour after hour. Not until 11:00 p.m. did someone inform them that they were being deported back to Guatemala.  They were not allowed to notify anyone of their deportation and were swiftly flown to a detention center in Texas. They received no due process.

Now in Guatemala, a strange and foreign country to Nory, she feels cut off from all her friends. Her teacher back in Los Angeles, Darcy White, stays in touch with her, and has worked with legal assistance to bring her back to the States. Unable to accomplish that, Mrs. White has sent her a computer so Nory can complete her classwork online and graduate next May from her school. Mrs. White has said that Nory is an outstanding young woman who was a leader in her class.  

Nory and her mother have no criminal record, were contributing to our country in a variety of ways, and keeping their appointments with immigration officials. It has been estimated that over 60% of those being deported have no criminal background but are simply hard working people trying to better their lives and helping our country in the process. They are involved in our communities, go to church, pay their taxes, and do jobs that many Americans refuse to do.  

I can understand and even support the deportation of criminals and members of violent gangs. Even then, however, the laws of the land should be followed. Due process is an inherent right for anyone on American soil, not just citizens. This right is promised by both the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments to the Constitution. In other words, people of illegal status have the right to defend themselves in a court of law and explain why they should be allowed to remain in the country. They also have the right to an attorney. These are the laws of our land.

There are tens of thousands of Norys that have been deported from America, many to far away countries in which they have no connection and some to prisons that routinely mistreat them. They are often arrested by masked U.S. agents, detained in inhumane conditions, and then deported without ever being allowed legal representation. Whatever your views regarding our immigration system, the treatment of these people is shamefully un-American. This is not who we are as a nation!

I am unapologetically a follower of Jesus. His teachings on how we are to treat other people, especially the poor and underprivileged, have guided my life for over 60 years. I wonder why the church has been largely silent when so many lives are being harmed and mistreated by our government. How we live defines what we believe. “By their fruits,” Jesus said, “you shall know them.”