Amnesty? Let us be Vigilant and Charitable In his article “Amnesty? Let us be Vigilant and Charitable,” published in the March 10, 2008 edition of America, a Jesuit publication, Catholic priest and professor of philosophy John F. Kavanaugh discusses the controversial issue of illegal immigration and ponders the viability of amnesty as a solution to this problem, which has an ever present kairotic nature in a country founded by immigrants. Where do we draw the line, though? Who should we welcome and who should we turn away? Those are some of the issues addressed in this article. In this piece, Kavanaugh emphasizes the need for immigration reform. His use of pathos is evident during the introduction when presenting Maria's story. He goes on
…show more content…
He issues a call of action for the readers to oppose current retaliatory laws and proposes the creation of a more humanistic immigration system. The intended audience is a Catholic reader with a political and social interest in the significance of immigration reform. The text is very well suited for the intended audience, the author cites several bible passages and appeals to the Christian beliefs of equality and fair treatment of the “least of us.” The author is a scholar and religious pastor. His point of view is that of a humanitarian appeal to the public and law makers for fair treatment of sojourners in America. The writing style is formal with a serious and urgent tone. The overall persuasiveness is highly effective given the Christian audience it is intended for. Kavanaugh does an excellent job at addressing some of the most common arguments of the opposing view, such us the alleged criminal quality of illegal immigrants. He clears this up by admitting that some of them are indeed felons, yet most of them are simply trying to obtain a better life for their …show more content…
He suggests that most are trying to escape a life of poverty and displacement. He quotes the Catholic bishops of Mexico, who blame the Free Trade Agreement for disfavorable conditions in the agricultural and farming operations in rural communities. Likewise, he goes on to point out the public defiance of U.S. Catholic bishops against punitive laws and politicians “who vie to see who can be tougher on illegal immigrants.”
Logic and credibility are demonstrated equally in the fact that opposing views are addressed. The writer acknowledges that several of the sentiments against illegal immigrants are valid, adding that some of the towns involved have seen invasions by large groups they cannot handle. And he mentions the issue of low labor wages, which affect businesses and local workers as
He issues a call of action for the readers to oppose current retaliatory laws and proposes the creation of a more humanistic immigration system. The intended audience is a Catholic reader with a political and social interest in the significance of immigration reform. The text is very well suited for the intended audience, the author cites several bible passages and appeals to the Christian beliefs of equality and fair treatment of the “least of us.” The author is a scholar and religious pastor. His point of view is that of a humanitarian appeal to the public and law makers for fair treatment of sojourners in America. The writing style is formal with a serious and urgent tone. The overall persuasiveness is highly effective given the Christian audience it is intended for. Kavanaugh does an excellent job at addressing some of the most common arguments of the opposing view, such us the alleged criminal quality of illegal immigrants. He clears this up by admitting that some of them are indeed felons, yet most of them are simply trying to obtain a better life for their …show more content…
He suggests that most are trying to escape a life of poverty and displacement. He quotes the Catholic bishops of Mexico, who blame the Free Trade Agreement for disfavorable conditions in the agricultural and farming operations in rural communities. Likewise, he goes on to point out the public defiance of U.S. Catholic bishops against punitive laws and politicians “who vie to see who can be tougher on illegal immigrants.”
Logic and credibility are demonstrated equally in the fact that opposing views are addressed. The writer acknowledges that several of the sentiments against illegal immigrants are valid, adding that some of the towns involved have seen invasions by large groups they cannot handle. And he mentions the issue of low labor wages, which affect businesses and local workers as