An Analysis Of Amnesty? Let Us Be Vigilant And Charitable

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 nature in a country founded by immigrants. Where does one draw the line, though? Who should be welcomed and who should be turned away? The writer focuses on such issues in this article. Kavanaugh asserts that current immigration policies are inhumane and the the reform of such laws is imperative. He presents a strong, convincing argument by his use of pathos, logos, and ethos The tone of the argument is set by presenting the who have broken the law.” He supports his argument by quoting Matthew 25 and the passage from Leviticus, which admonishes that: “The stranger who sojourns with you shall be to you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself.” Moreover, he contends that the law is not always treated as the bottom line. He recalls the numerous occasions when Jesus was not considered to be compliant with the laws of his time. In like manner, he mentions Martin Luther King Jr., Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Susan B. Anthony, as people who successfully appealed to a higher law, rather than conforming to a positive law. The author 's use of bible material in support of his argument is highly suited for the intended audience. Equally important, the writer is a scholar and catholic priest, which gives him a high level of credibility and trustworthiness among his readers. The ethos projected by Kavanaugh is that of a humanitarian clamoring to the audience and lawmakers for the ethical treatment of sojourners in