They left their homes in Mexico because of violence, and they wanted to provide a safe and healthy upbringing for their children. They know they’ll get paid more in America though they’ll likely need to work two or three jobs to provide for their families.
Often, migrants become victims of unscrupulous bosses looking for inexpensive labor, and many don’t have the resources to learn English to fight their own cause. They rely on faith communities willing to offer support. They live in fear every day as they see their friends deported or sent to detention centers. And changing immigration laws and conflicting information don’t make it easy for them to follow and obey policy. All they want is a good life for their children.
Through these stories from migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and those who care for them, we got a glimpse of the complex immigration issue.
As Christians, we must see Jesus in every person who crosses our border. We must see Jesus in them. “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” (Mathew 25:40)
This message is excerpted from “As Christians, we must see Jesus in every person who crosses our border” by Elizabeth McBride from the February 25, 2020, blog of the Women of the ELCA. Today we commemorate Oscar Arnulfo Romero, Bishop of El Salvador, martyr, 1980.
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