Immigration reform and the Golden Rule

By Robert P. Jones
founding CEO, Public Religion Research Institute

Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer met with President Obama this week to discuss the controversial immigration law (SB 1070) she recently signed. The law would require state law enforcement officers to ask for proof of citizenship from anyone they suspect to be an illegal immigrant, and authorize them to arrest anyone without such proof. President Obama has said he is troubled by the law, which he called a "misdirected effort," because it could lead to racial profiling, with one group of Americans being treated differently than others simply because of the way they look.

One little known fact about Gov. Brewer is that as Secretary of State she launched a program in 2003 to establish Arizona as a Golden Rule state, recognizing "those who treat others the way they would like to be treated and who make a difference in Arizona." At the opening ceremony of the initiative, Brewer handed out Golden Rule marbles, saying "Living the 'Golden Rule' really is contagious. The positive effect from just one person living the rule often influences many others to do the same."

As part of the initiative, Arizona stamped out specialty "Live the Golden Rule" license plates, and Brewer continues to promote the Golden Rule program as governor. Just last month she was honored by the Arizona Interfaith Movement for promoting the Golden Rule in Arizona. But now, since she signed SB 1070, Bishop Kirk Stevan Smith of the Episcopal Church in Arizona has suggested that Brewer give back the plaque.

Indeed, there is good reason to think that Gov. Brewer may have lost her Golden Rule marbles.

In March 2010, our organization, Public Religion Research Institute--a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization--conducted a nationwide poll on religion, values, and immigration reform. We found Americans strongly supported a comprehensive approach to immigration reform, and also strongly believe that immigration policy and reform should be guided by a set of moral values that include the Golden Rule. A strong majority of Americans (71 percent) say following the Golden Rule--"providing immigrants the same opportunity that I would want if my family were immigrating to the U.S."--is a very or extremely important moral guide for immigration reform. A commitment to this value carries across partisan lines: nearly two-thirds (65 percent) of Republicans, 72 percent of Independents, and 75 percent of Democrats support the Golden Rule as a very important guide for immigration reform.

The survey also found a large majority of Americans favor comprehensive immigration reform that includes an earned path to citizenship for immigrants who register with the government, work, pay taxes, and learn English. When asked to choose between a description of comprehensive immigration reform and typical opposing arguments, Americans still prefer a comprehensive approach by a margin of approximately 2-to-1. This support crosses religious and political lines.

Supporters of the Arizona law say it was necessary because the federal government has failed to fix our broken immigration system. Americans certainly agree that they system is broken. The PRRI poll found a majority (56 percent) of Americans say our immigration system is somewhat or completely broken, and only 7 percent say it is generally working. But the evidence about whether the Arizona law is the solution we need is mixed. While a recent New York Times poll on the Arizona law showed that a slim majority (51 percent) said the law was "about right," strong majorities also expressed reservations about its consequences: 80 percent said it would lead to immigrant communities not cooperating with the police, and 82 percent said it would probably lead to racial profiling. Reflecting this ambivalence, one person interviewed called it a "necessary evil."

Clearly, Americans agree that fixing our broken immigration system is necessary. But policymakers should carefully consider a value that more than 70 percent of Americans believe should shape reform. Americans are clearly frustrated and are desperately looking for leadership and solutions. But at the end of the day, Americans want their leaders to craft solutions that are not necessary and evil, but necessary and good. A comprehensive approach to immigration reform is a solution that doesn't require us to choose between the rule of law and our values.

Dr. Robert P. Jones is the founding CEO of Public Religion Research Institute.

By Robert P. Jones |  June 4, 2010; 11:42 AM ET Save & Share:                 
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