Recently Arizona passed a new immigration related law - S.B. 1070, which requires local law enforcement officers during the course of a "lawful stop, detention or arrest" to ask for proof of citizenship or legal immigration status and turn those without it over to federal authorities for deportation.

In passing that law, Arizona has now become the target of those who strongly disagree with any level of illegal immigration enforcement.

US House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi called the law "Misguided and Irresponsible". When we consider this remark we need to remember that the speaker represents San Francisco, which calls itself a "Sanctuary State" - which basically means that they welcome illegal immigrants and will refuse to comply with enforcing US Immigration Laws.

For national leaders, the President included, to make such reckless statements about what is essentially a National Security Issue is astonishing. Especially when we consider the following associated facts:

1. The Federal Government has refused to fulfill its responsibility to secure the boarders
2. The US has a 2,000 mile boarder with a developing nation (Mexico)
3. It is estimated that there are 460,000 illegal immigrants in Arizona alone

While there are all sort of wild accusation about this new law being used to provide a legal basis for "racial profiling" the fact is, it merely makes what is already a Federal Offense (being in the country illegally) a State Offense. Arizona has every right to assert concurrent jurisdiction (adopting the same laws as the Federal Government).

Critics say that the Governor, Jan Brewer, simply caved to "fringe elements" in the state. But that is certainly a characterization that is very difficult to prove, especially when the majority of residence in the state support the new law. In other words, it is hard to think of something as being part of the "fringe" while it is also part of the majority.

There is nothing harsh or unusual about saying police officers are required to try to make "a reasonable attempt" to determine the status of a person "where reasonable suspicion exists" that the person is here illegally.

This is not "racial profiling" it is just reasonable policy.

So how should Christian respond to Arizona's new law? What does the Bible say about some of the issues raised in the current illegal immigration situation?

First, while Christian should certainly be sensitive to the plight of immigrants. The Bible has much to say about alien, strangers and sojourners. In fact, Exod. 23:9 warns against oppressing them, "Also thou shalt not oppress a stranger: for ye know the heart of a stranger, seeing ye were strangers in the land of Egypt".

However, the Bible also has much to say about the subject of the Law and the importance of respecting it. In an effort to respond compassionately to the immigration issue we must not trample upon the law. We welcome immigrants in this country; it is just the illegal part that we have problems with.

We must enforce the law by sealing the border, arresting illegal immigrants and deporting them. We must also, ensure that the legal process for entering the country is effective in screening individuals and efficient in allowing access to those who desire to be good law-abiding citizens.

On today's program, I will talk about this issue with, Jamie Dean, National Political reporter for World Magazine.