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Copied:Dear Mariann Edgar Budde,While your plea for compassion is commendable, it is neither compassionate nor biblical to undermine the rule of law or to disregard the sovereignty of a nation tasked with protecting its citizens.The scriptures are clear; God is a God of order, not confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33). Governments are instituted by Him to promote justice and uphold the rule of law (Romans 13:1-7). To imply that securing borders and enforcing immigration laws is contrary to God’s mercy is a misrepresentation of biblical teaching. The same God who commands us to love the foreigner (Leviticus 19:34) also established boundaries for nations and called leaders to exercise wisdom and discernment in governance (Acts 17:26).Your statement that “the vast majority of immigrants are not criminals” misses the point. The issue is not the inherent morality of individuals but the legality of their presence. To dismiss the importance of documentation is to suggest that laws governing immigration are trivial, thereby eroding the integrity of the very system that allows people to come to this country safely and legally. Justice cannot exist without law, and law cannot stand without enforcement.Furthermore, while you highlight the contributions of undocumented immigrants, you fail to address the strain that unchecked illegal immigration places on public resources, infrastructure, and the American workforce, particularly among lower-income citizens. Is it not equally compassionate to consider the plight of working-class Americans whose jobs, wages, and safety are directly impacted by illegal immigration? True mercy requires balancing justice and compassion—not sacrificing one for the other.You also appeal to the fears of children whose parents might face deportation. While this is indeed heartbreaking, we must remember that the parents themselves bear responsibility for placing their families in such precarious positions. Compassion does not absolve accountability. The call of the gospel is not to enable lawlessness but to minister grace within the framework of truth (John 1:14).Finally, your call to welcome those fleeing persecution is one that conservatives do not reject, but it must be done responsibly. The United States already accepts more refugees and asylum seekers than most nations worldwide, a testament to its generosity. However, such hospitality must be balanced with national security and the well-being of current citizens, lest we compromise the very stability that makes this nation a refuge.President Donald J. Trump and his administration were entrusted with the responsibility to govern wisely and justly, ensuring the safety and prosperity of all Americans. This includes upholding immigration laws while extending mercy in ways that do not undermine justice. As Christians, we are called to care for the vulnerable, but such care must never come at the expense of truth, order, or the well-being of the broader community. Grossly misusing the pulpit to advocate for policies that erode these principles is neither biblical nor constructive; it's demonic. -LMLevend Montgomery