Immigrant Theology

You have heard that to fix illegal imigration, it is necessary for undocumented immigrant to get papers, but I say that is not about papers. It is about listening to and understanding their stories. You have heard that their country must provide for them, but I say we need to understand that their countries have political, cultural, and religious situations, that are oppressive and even life-threatening. You have heard that imigrants are criminals, rapists and drug dealers, but I say imigrants are people like you and me, with their own stories- stories of hope, love and dreams. You have heard that immigrants take our jobs and our communities, but I say that immigrants rehabilitate our communities, and help to grow our economy. You have heard that immigrants deplete our economy, but I say that immigrants enrich our country with their talents, new faith, culture and new ways of doing things. You have heard that building a wall between the US and Mexico is the solution to the immigration problem, but I say that building relationships is a much better way. You have heard so much about hate and racism directed toward immigrants, but I say that kindness is the key to better understanding. You have heard the Gospel of Christ, which teaches about loving our neighbor and hospitality, I say this is the time to put into practice what we preach and to built relationships. We have heard so much about how divided our nation is today. I say building relationship gives our communities the foundation for stronger and more secured future. You have heard the biblical stories many times throughout your lives. I will tell you the same biblical stories through the eyes of an immigrant. You have heard so much about the problem of illegal immigration, but I say that the immigrant community gives us the opportunity to come out of our comfort zone and to create a more diverse, welcoming and humane community. You have heard about the determination to built a wall and to divide us, but I say we must be determinated to build bridges of relationship, love, justice and diplomacy.