MLK Jr.’s Philosophy vs. Trump’s Immigration Policies
During Trump’s presidency, Trump has been enforcing his immigration policies on several major areas, including the completion of the border wall with Mexico and ending DACA to deport immigrant children. Martin Luther King, Jr. would have argued that Trump’s immigration policies are unjust. In his “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” King argues that natural laws are created under the universal moral law, or in this case, the law of God. I believe what Trump is establishing with his policies degrades not only a person’s personality but also their status.
Furthermore, unjust laws create unequal treatment between two groups in society, or in this argument, between immigrants and the American government. For a more concrete example of just and unjust laws, if a law can be followed by both the majority and minority parties, then it is sameness made legal, while difference made legal can cause the majority to hurt the minority under the active law. Despite all of that, I thought the United States was supposed to enforce the American dream: the land of many great opportunities and connections for newcomers. However, with the strict laws relating to the immigrant situation, we cannot consider the dream to be a reality.
Another idea that can support this cause is the act of civil disobedience. Civil disobedience is refusing to obey the government’s commands, which can likely be met with consequences. Rather than submitting to these unjust laws, King would use the act of civil disobedience to achieve seemingly impossible goals. MLK, Jr. would have told both immigrants and American citizens to help protest Trump’s immigration policies. Nevertheless, I believe MLK, Jr.’s philosophical ideas can make a great change in Trump’s policies.
Principles of Nonviolence
There are several principles of nonviolence which could guide King’s approach to Trump. The first principle, that nonviolence is a way of life for courageous people, can help MLK by socially interacting with the communities. By using this principle, MLK, Jr. can use his charisma to show determination in his approach, which can persuade not only his people but also his opponents. His second principle, that nonviolence seeks to win understanding and friendship, gives MLK, Jr. a chance to offer solutions for changes that everyone can agree upon. Everyone has a reason why they do or don’t support Trump’s cause for his immigration policies. However, MLK, Jr.’s goal is to unite the people in addition to giving the best outcome for his campaign against Trump’s immigrant policies. Lastly, his third principle, that nonviolence seeks to defeat injustice rather than people, can help persuade those who were considered victims. Fortunately, MLK, Jr. is a man who can change people’s hearts; therefore, it is possible for him to change others to proceed through his agenda.
Specific Actions MLK Jr. Could Take
There are several specific actions that MLK, Jr. would take in this cause. Initially, I believe the first step, gathering information, can prove beneficial to MLK, Jr.’s knowledge of today’s politics as well as Trump’s actions during his presidency. Furthermore, it can help him learn more about everyone’s perspective on Trump’s immigration policies through the communities, social media, and civic organizations. Another step would be to remain committed to this cause. I believe MLK, Jr. would have to face many challenges to make great changes in American society, which leads to the fourth step: to peacefully negotiate for both sides. MLK, Jr. would have to use his charisma and intelligence to create solutions that can benefit the greater good. Lastly, reconciliation can help MLK, Jr. give the best alternatives for greater change in society; thus, he will have to agree to disagree with some people if he were to improve society.