Why Compassion and Fairness Matter
Indiscriminate deportation is a practice where people are removed from a country without taking the time to understand their individual circumstances. At first glance, it might seem like a matter of enforcing rules, but when you look closer, it becomes clear just how unjust and harmful it really is—not just for the people being deported, but for their families, communities, and society as a whole.
Families Torn Apart
Imagine this: a family has spent years building a life in a country. Parents wake up early every day to work hard and provide for their children. The kids go to school, play with friends, and dream about their futures. Then, suddenly, one of the parents is taken away—deported to a place they may not even recognize anymore. The family loses its breadwinner. The children are left without the love and care of a parent. This isn’t just a sad story; it’s a reality for countless families around the world. These are not just “cases” or “numbers.” These are human beings with hopes, dreams, and lives that are shattered in an instant.
Communities Weakened
Deportation doesn’t just hurt the individuals or their families—it also tears at the fabric of communities. Immigrants are often the backbone of society. They are teachers, doctors, engineers, farmworkers, and small business owners. They help build and sustain the communities they live in, often doing jobs that are essential to everyone’s well-being. When they are deported without consideration, the loss is felt by everyone. Imagine losing your favorite teacher, a helpful neighbor, or the nurse who cared for you—simply because no one took the time to review their case fairly.
A Return to Danger
For many, deportation isn’t just about being sent to a different country. It can mean being forced back into a place where they face violence, poverty, or persecution. Some don’t speak the language of the country they are sent to. Others have no family or support there. For some, it’s a matter of survival; being deported could put their lives in immediate danger. Picture yourself being dropped into a foreign land with no resources, no safety, and no idea how to move forward. That’s the grim reality for many people.
Enforcing Fairly, Not Cruelly
This isn’t about saying there shouldn’t be immigration laws—most people agree that rules are necessary. But enforcing those laws should be done with compassion, fairness, and understanding. People are more than just statistics; they deserve to have their stories heard. Their contributions to society and the risks they face if deported should be carefully considered. By taking the time to review cases individually, we can avoid needlessly destroying lives and uphold the values of humanity and fairness.
What Kind of Society Do We Want to Be?
At the end of the day, a society is judged by how it treats its most vulnerable members. Do we want to be a society that values compassion and dignity? Or one that turns a blind eye to the suffering of fellow human beings? What we choose says a lot about who we are. Let’s choose to be kinder, wiser, and better. Let’s work toward a system that recognizes the humanity in everyone and rejects the harm caused by indiscriminate deportation.
Every person is a human being deserving of dignity, respect, and compassion. Let’s not lose sight of that simple truth.
Minister A Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 