Immigrants at the gate of mercy and justice

Abstract

The title of this article evokes two images of the immigrant. One is implied the other is explicit, although conveyed in a symbolic manner. Those immigrants who are lucky enough to survive a very perilous journey from home to what they hope to be a promising land have to make the painful and yet crucial step of crossing the border. Countries have borders and the gates are often tightly closed and heavily guarded. The expression “immigrants at the gate” conjures up a picture of the immigrant standing on firm and solid ground, unlike the shaky and at times turbulent sea, but with no or very little chance of moving further on. The fate of immigrants at the gate is surely a matter of concern to the individual and collective conscience. It may not always be the case that those inside are being altogether indifferent to those waiting outside. But the religious and moral challenge remains, because the immigrants at the gate rightly expect that the gate at which they stand would be that of mercy and justice.