What does religious faith have to say about immigration, borders, and national identity?

Our panel tackles one of today's most polarizing moral questions with nuance and compassion, moving beyond typical political talking points to explore deeper ethical principles.

At the heart of our conversation is the theological concept of "Ordo Amoris" or the "Order of Love" – a principle suggesting our moral obligations naturally flow outward from self to family, community, nation, and beyond. Far from limiting our care for strangers, research suggests those who understand this ordering of charity are actually more generous to those in the outermost circles. As Rabbi Stuart explains through the concept of "concentric circles," we're naturally wired to prioritize those closest to us while still extending compassion outward.

The discussion takes fascinating turns as we explore what makes America unique – a place where, unlike most nations, anyone can truly become "American" by embracing certain ideals rather than being born into a specific ethnicity. We bring diverse perspectives, including personal immigrant experiences that illuminate the practical realities often missing from abstract policy debates.

When does a moral obligation to welcome the stranger encounter legitimate practical limitations? How do we balance compassion with responsibility? And what constitutes healthy patriotism versus blind nationalism?

These questions reveal how faith traditions can provide unique frameworks for addressing complex moral challenges that transcend typical partisan divisions.

Join us for this thought-provoking exploration of immigration ethics through multiple religious lenses. Whether you're seeking moral clarity on border policy or simply interested in how faith traditions approach contemporary ethical dilemmas, this episode offers refreshing insight without easy answers.