When I was growing up, my family made trips to Toronto, Canada. My father was asked to meet with some Finnish families as a part of ministry. We became friends with these families. They had immigrated to Canada from Finland. They were unable to settle in the U.S. because the at that time, few people from Finland were allowed to immigrate. It was a phase in U.S. immigration policy.
When my Finnish grandparents came to the United States at the beginning of the 20th century, great waves of immigrants were coming to fill the jobs in mines and factories. When they came, Finland was not a nation—it was under Russian rule. Finland achieved its independence in 1917.
In 1924 the Johnson-Reed Act limited immigration through a quota system. The number of people allowed to immigrate was based on the 1890 census, the quota allowed was 2% of people from that nation already here. You can read about the Immigration Act of 1924 here. The law allowed for very few Finnish immigrants.
With the current controversy over immigration, it is important to be aware of our country’s history. How does a nation establish order? Should laws be enforced? Is it important that immigrants assimilate and understand the laws of our country?
Sharing this post with the Five Minute Friday writing community. Kate’s prompt is: PHASE
But they came to Canada… that was a good thing… they are part of making this country wonderful. visiting from FMF18
As Christians we are called to welcome the stranger. That does not mean opening the borders but we are in need of remembering the humanity and dignity of each person as we make decisions about their future. Equally it is important to be truthful about immigrants rather than scapegoating them for political gain. Many lies have been told about desperate people who arrive here. These are difficult issues but how we treat the least of us indicates our moral grounding.
Nancy, I have thought about your reply. I agree that we have a calling as Christians to treat all people with kindness and dignity. How does our role as Christians (the Church) intersect with the role of government? The government’s role is to make laws, and enforce laws for the purpose of an orderly society. If we disagree with a law, how should we protest as Christians? I think about Jesus and his teachings directed to all people, his correction of Pharisees and Sadducees–but he didn’t challenge the Roman government.
If lies are being told, the truth should be explained. It is difficult to get the truth from the media.The immigration issue is complex. Paul’s letter to Timothy urges believers to pray for kings and all who are in high positions. Blessings
Good thoughts. Many people creating chaos and controversy don’t understand history … it’s very important! visiting from fmf5
2% of people from that country already living here — what if there weren’t any?
The quota system did have some revisions over the years, but it continued until 1965.