Introduction
The Iraqi Christians are settlers in a land far away from home. However, they are strangers in either world, Christians in Iraq and Iraqis in the United States. They are faced with the threat of deportation whenever they are involved in any crime. It does not matter whether they have served their time or not, the pettiness of the offense does not matter either. There are over a thousand Iraqi Christians facing deportation to Iraq. This is legal, as the United States allows the deportation of foreign nationals if they are found culpable of certain crimes. They should be allowed to stay in the United States. They will most likely be unsafe in Iraq as they are a minority. Iraq is also currently still reeling from the effects of wars. The social support systems of these individuals are in the United States.
Discussion
Iraq is still in recovery from the war following the ousting of Saddam Hussein where the United States Army was a major player. Moreover, the rise of the Islamic State (ISIS) also affected a significant proportion of the country. This shows that the country is yet to achieve sustainability. It is on a process of recovery, the establishment of infrastructure, and ensuring the rule of law. It would be thus inhuman of a government to deport individuals that it considers its citizens. This can be perceived as an abdication of its duty. With the limited public resources, the additional prisoners would be a burden on an already overstretched Iraqi government.
The United States government committed when they accepted the Iraqi Christians and their families as they fled the country. This commitment is best exemplified through their induction as citizens. They are legal immigrants who play their part in the titan that is the United States economy. A majority of these crimes committed are most likely committed due to the prevailing circumstances. It is difficult for anyone to gain footing in a new environment. This implies that these crimes were mistakes made in moments of weakness. With rehabilitation, they can be reintegrated back into society. However, it is a holistic process that should encompass social support structures, especially the family. If they are deported, they lose these supports, further worsening their situations.
Some of the deportees will be transferred to these jails where their safety can hardly be assured. Iraqi prisons are filled with ISIS prisoners. Their reintegration into Iraqi society is impaired by the fact that they fled to the United States and are Christians. They will be outsiders and will have it tough trying to make a living. Furthermore, their families are left in the United States. Children are being condemned to live without their parents. In a country that preaches equal opportunity, this is a rejection of its beliefs.
Opposing voices may argue that the country has no business taking care of criminals. However, it should be considered that crime in the United States has a strong correlation to socioeconomic status, prevalent among the low-income class. The convicted Iraqis are not any different from the Americans who commit crimes as they are all victims of a system filled with inequity.
Conclusion
Deportation is the wrong way of handling legal immigrants who commit crimes. The process of rehabilitation involves assimilation back into society. Deportation is a stark contrast to these basic tenets. The Iraqi immigrants should be allowed to retain their support systems in the United States. Iraq is still rebuilding and may be unsafe for them. By allowing the immigrants to stay, the United Stated will become a beacon on the perks of redemption.