2 Presidents, 2 Approaches to Border & Immigration

We have received a number of questions into the ministry asking us to have some discussions related to what's been happening at the border and all of the recent changes. It has taken us a while to find the right dialogue partner on this issue, someone who can bring first-hand experience, but also a Christian worldview.

We were excited to have war correspondent, Chuck Holton on the show. He is a former Army Ranger and freelance conflict reporter traveling to the world's "hot zones" for two decades, including the American border. Mr. Holton also lives in Panama and has a LOT of on-the-ground experience with the migration issues at the infamous Darién Gap as well as the Mexican-American border. This is a very special show!

Chuck Holton is a (former) US Army Ranger, journalist, and war correspondent. Chuck is not only a worldwide adventurer, but he is also a dedicated husband and father of five homeschooled children. He speaks to churches and organizations globally, and is host of the podcast, The Hot Zone.

Immigration:

In order to understand the current state of immigration/border issues in the US, one must understand the history of immigration from South and Central America.

Key terms:

FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia): a Marxist rebel group & military wing of the Colombian Communist Party; associated with bombings, assassinations, hijackings, and drug trafficking; disbanded in 2017

Darien Gap: dangerous, remote, and inhospitable stretch of land that connects Panama and Colombia. It's a major migration route for people traveling between North and South America

Fewer migrants reportedly attempt to cross through the Darien Gap: https://www.foxnews.com/video/6369997760112

Who is coming through the Darien Gap? Are they asylum seekers?

Essentially anyone who isn’t already living in the Northern Hempisphere, north of Panama

Asylum: in order to be granted official asylum status, you must have been persecuted by your government (eg. for your religious, sexual beliefs); in other words, living in a high crime neighborhood in Colombia does not qualify someone for asylum

What about Deportation?

Deportations by US Immigration Authorities Graph (2012-2024): https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-68428154

Terrorism:

What is the reason for labeling drug cartels as terrorist organizations?

Frees up resources that law enforcement and military otherwise wouldn’t have access to

Can bring legal action against the cartels AND anyone associated with them in the US

Refugees:

Essentially, it comes back to the information war and a redefinition of terms; similar to how the Left will use the phrase “pro-choice” because it sounds better than “pro-abortion”, using the phrase “asylum seeker” or “refugee” sounds better than advocating for illegal immigration

There ARE ways to come into the United States LEGALLY, but it is much more time-consuming and cost-prohibitive; therefore, immigrants seek illegal methods instead

Catch & Release:

What is doe NOT mean: a person is caught (illegally) coming over the border wall and returned to Mexico; instead, under the Biden administration, the person who was caught, would be taken to a holding facility for processing (no ID or records in the US), given transportation and money to remain in the US until an asylum hearing could be held (usually years later)

As Christians, what should we do about these real & difficult immigration issues?

Our goal should not be to make good Americans out of these people; this assumes pride and arrogance

These people do not need more money, they need Jesus

As Christians, we should focus on how to bring Jesus to more people where they are!

Continue being generous, but learn how best to employ our generosity without harming people

Resources:

Recommended books:

"Who Really Cares": https://www.amazon.com/Who-Really-Cares-Compassionate-Conservatism/dp/0465008232/ref=monarch_sidesheet_title

"When Helping Hurts": https://www.amazon.com/When-Helping-Hurts-Alleviate-Yourself/dp/0802409989/ref=monarch_sidesheet_title

Connect with the Guest:

Check out the work Chuck Holton is doing at his YouTube channel, The Hot Zone: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheHotZoneWithChuckHolton

Sponsor:

Tonight's show is brought to you by the Center for Biblical Unity and Theology Mom podcast.

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