The Rev. Donald Anderson, executive minister of the R.I. State Council of Churches, answered questions today from projo.com readers on the immigration debate. As with all our chat guests, questions are not censored, guests may choose the ones they wish to answer, and as many questions are answered as possible within the hour-long time slot.

Reverend Anderson: The issue of immigration is one of our most pressing social issues. It is not a simple issue. I will be answering your questions today from the perspective of a concerned pastor. I will also be answering these questions as an individual and not on behalf of the entire council of churches. It is my hope that this hour will prove to be a productive time of reasonable discussion and an open sharing of ideas.

Dan: So far I have only heard that the religious groups oppose the governor's plan or order [on helping to control control illegal immigration]. What can you do - or what are you planning on doing - to help the immigrant groups - the people you are advocating for - in a positive way. The order has broad support - the churches have a unique opportunity to help these people, other than teaching them how to gather and demonstrate...what are your plans?

Reverend Anderson: Dan — I am trying with other religious leaders to be a moderating voice in this discussion. One of our primary concerns about the executive order is the potential effect is has on legal immigrants. As much as possible, I am trying to be present in the immigrant community encouraging all of us to work towards a better solution. I know the governor to be a compassionate and honorable man. It is my hope that we can identify specific areas of concern and work towards helpful solutions.

john q: Does an illgeal alien have a legal right to protest the enforcement of existing laws?

Reverend Anderson: John q — As I stated in my opening, I am responding as a pastor. I feel all people are God’s creation and should be treated with respect. No matter what a person’s status we should respect them as individuals. Personally, I try to put myself in someone’s shoes as I try to understand and respond to their situation.

interested: Question: a) does anyone know if any Rhode Islander has actually been declined employment because the position was filled by person in this country without a visa; b) what government subsidized services (i.e., schools, health care, etc) can be utilized by "illegal aliens;" and c)are there any estimates of what it costs the State of RI in goverment subsidies and/or payments that go to people in this state without valid visa?

Reverend Anderson: Interested — I have seen several estimates of the relative costs/contributions of these folks. The reality is that there are costs and contributions. Many of these people pay taxes, but never get a refund. It appears to still be an open question, but please realize that there are two sides to this story.

mike: Marilou: As we did with the governor last week, we will let the Reverend answer questions and will not post them to the room until he has seen them. He has said that he will try his best to answer every question, although, last week with the governor, there were too many to answer in the end.

marilou: the protection of "immigrants" is a red herring. This issue is about the rule of law. Why would any legal immigrant want the country to be fillrd with outlaws? My father is a LEGAL immigrant.

Reverend Anderson: Marilou — My grandparents came to this country when they were young, settled here in Rhode Island and made a life for themselves and their family. I am sure you are as proud of your dad as I am of my grandparents. Over recent years our federal government (both parties) have not addressed this growing problem. It is my hope that our government will develop a policy that is just to those who are here and deal with our borders.

Dan: I guess I see it as the most constructive thing to do is to "accept" the order, and work with the immigrant groups who will be most effected - the illegals - on positive solutions - how to move, how to apply for citizenship, how to deal with children who are US citizens and parents who are not. I worry that continuing to "stir the pot" will enflame the situation to a point where something terrible will happen. I do not think it is the intent of any law enforcement groups to terrorize people - moderation and acceptance of responsibiity seems to be most productive.

Reverend Anderson: Dan — Thanks for your thoughtful response. I, too, hope we can get beyond the immediate situation and work with our federal government to deal justly with those folks who are here. My hope is that as clergy we will be a force for peace

kl2008: I believe that all of these commissions and "advocate" groups of the Hispanic community are hurting their cause instead of helping it. They are the people creating this "climate of fear". They are demanding rights for people who broke our laws by entering the country ILLEGALLY.

Why doesn’t the church and advocacy groups get together and work out a proposal that will allow the people they are defending to be identified, fined and processed with the end result / goal being to become LEGAL citizens?

In order to have rights in this country, you must denounce your home country, become a legal citizen and pledge allegiance to the United States of America. I am sorry but you just can not have it both ways, come to America to become an American, period.

If our country continues to allow abuses of our laws in ways such as these, we are just getting ahead in the race to the bottom.

Reverend Anderson: Kl2008 — It is my hope that many of us are doing exactly what you are suggesting. I will share with you that many of the clergy are responding to the fear that exists among there people. Legal citizens are also filled with concern. As we move forward I hope that every part of our community can be a calming force.

marilou: you just don't get it. What is just to the people who are here...the legal citizens and residents...is that t he laws be enforced and that those here illegally be removed expeditiously but humanely. Because...while I am working two jobs to support my kids and educate them...I am also paying the freight for illegal aliens. That is what we have the law FOR. to protect my assets and the fruits of my labor. I give to charity as I am able; the charity of my choice. This fundingof illegal aliens is like being the victim of a robbery.

Reverend Anderson: Marilou — I appreciate the fact that you are working hard and are doing your part as a productive citizen. Many Rhode Islanders are in your situation, salt of the earth folks who should be able to move forward toward their dreams. I would just like to see us move toward a solution that is fair to all. Just moving people out of Rhode island will not solve our problems or make the life of other Rhode Islanders easier, in fact we may find that we rely upon many of these folks.

stace723: I hope the problem does get resloved so everyone can live in peace for everyone to get along and become one. My questions are...... Is there a "huge" process in becoming a "legal" immigrant in the state of Rhode Island? Will the process take a while to become "legal" in the state is that why there is no change? Will they except become "legal" immigrants?

Reverend Anderson: Stace723 — I am a native Rhode Islander and believe that when our federal government finds a solution that our citizens will respond with openness and grace. Change takes time, but when all is said and done Rhode Island is a fair place.

Born_in_Providence: I think part of the concern from the immigrant community is how various parts of this order will be implemented. For example, do you have any information on how the state police will handle their interactions with the public? I am Hispanic and a U.S. Citizen. If I am stopped for a trafic violation, will the trooper have the authority to demand to see my birth certificate? Or will this order apply only to those "arrested"?

Reverend Anderson: Born_in_Providence — You are expressing the concerns of many legal citizens. It is my hope that in conversations like the one we are having today will help to settle things down. I cannot answer for the police, but as someone who has been a police chaplain and knows many police officers, I believe that these women and men are much more interested in keeping us safe than bothering honest citizens.

interested: Can someone, the Rev or one of the bloggers, kindly tell me exactly what the problem is that the anti-immigration folks want to address. If the problem is economic, please show me the evidence. If the problem is simply vindication of existing law, then why is there so much advocacy to change the laws. This is not meant to be tongue-in -cheek, but I truly want to know what the anti-immigration folks seek to accomplish.

Reverend Anderson: Interested — I personally feel that our biggest problem is fear. Our economy is weak and the world is changing faster than we can imagine. All of this change can generate fear. It is my hope that in our faith we can find an anchor help us deal with this significant change that is all around us.

Dan: I've heard as an argument that people are paying into the soc. sec. system when they use a fake ID for instance, yet will never get to collect benefits - so what happens to all these people when they are elderly, when they are sick and not covered under programs because they have minor children? Don't we have even a more increasing burden as this population settles over many years here?

Reverend Anderson: Dan — You are asking good questions. The only real answer to some of these questions is for the federal government to deal with this issue.

kl2008: Born in Providence - Just wondering - Since you are a legal citizen who happens to be Hispanic - Would you object to carrying additional identifying information to help the officers process you and be on your way more quickly? I know I didn't have a problem bringing my social secuirty card with me to the DMV (that rule has now been suspended) because it was helping to curb abuses at the DMV

Born_in_Providence: kl2008 - There is no National ID, and I am not legally required to drive of have a state-issued ID. It's easy for someone who is not Hispanic (or minority) to claim they don't have a problem producing ID for authorities because they are rarely demanded to do it. However, many minorities are demanded to do it for unjust reasons.

Andrea Panciera, projo.com editor - Is the Council of Churches making any recommendations to its members about how to handle, or ease, tensions that may be caused by the debate of immigration? Does the council support or oppose any particular legislation related to the executive order, or some sort of replacement for it? And how does the council react to those who may say that taking an active role on this issue could violate the separation of church and state?

Reverend Anderson: Andrea — We are moving forward to implement a program that will bring urban and suburban churches together in order that people might get to know each other as people and not a “groups”. Our hope is that this will foster understanding and insight.

The council has taken no action regarding any specific legislation.

The separation of church and state relates to the government establishing a religion. Our founding fathers did not envision a country where people of faith were silent. Most of the great social issues in our history have been impacted by people of faith.

marilou: every illegal alien in the country consumes $85,000 more in social benefits than they will ever pay in taxes....source www.numbersusa.com....slow www.fairus.com.

marilou: Prov k 12 educ. is subsidixe form the state treasury t o the tune of 50 million dollars per year, besides what prov residents pay. How many of those are illegals? don't know because we Americans are so stupid we do not allow the schools to ask. source projo. Deficit ar RI hosp emerg. room 124 million...source projo. That's a few numbers to start. Where do you think that money comes from? from the legal taxpayers that is who.

kl2008: Born in Providence - Thanks for your reply

tazio: Rev, every person in this country illegally is stealing. They are stealing goods and social services. These are resources meant for my children and grandchildren and *I* am paying for them. When the clergy council attempts to protect these people in violation of the law it is aiding and abetting illegal immigration. question: how do you reconcile promoting crime with religious ideals? The concept of "free choice" is central to most religions. The "nobility" of a person is not that he commits a crime to better his economic standing but, that he does *NOT* commit the crime, despite temptation, because, it is wrong. question: how can it not be "wrong" from a religious point of view to break into a country illegally? Organized religion has long had a missionary outreach program. Question: Would it not be more appropriate for the council of clergy to go to these underdeveloped countries and help reform their societies so that people do not feel compelled to break the law and enter into this country illegally? Churches that hide illegal aliens, are committing a crime, churches that engage in political activity to promotes illegal immigration are violating thier tax exempt charters. question: should churches engaged in politics lose their tax exempt status?

Reverend Anderson: Tazio — I have responded to some of your questions with other folks during this discussion. I would like to address your question about developing countries. Many faith groups continue to work in developing countries. In fact, I bring a group to the Dominican Republic every two years to work on a hospital project that many American groups are part of. We will be taking 37 Rhode Islanders on April 26th. Thousands of American travel to developing countries to bring what help they can. I would be happy to have you join us on one of our trips.

Reverend Anderson: I want to thank the Projo for this opportunity to further this discussion. It is my hope and prayer that we can all listen to each other and seek a just solution to this issue for all concerned.

EXTRA: For more coverage of the immigration debate in Rhode Island, including a copy of Governor Carcieri's executive order and a transcript of a chat last week with Carcieri, visit projo.com's immigration page, at: http://projo.com/immigration