How Have You Experienced Immigration?

For some of you, immigration is deeply personal. Maybe your family arrived recently, hoping for safety and opportunity. You might know the fear of depending on a government decision for your future, or the exhaustion of a legal process that drags on for years, costs thousands of dollars and still offers no guarantee. Some of you were brought here as children, growing up believing you were American, only to discover as young adults that your status is uncertain. Each year you work hard to build a future, while carrying the weight of knowing it could all be taken away in an instant.

Maybe you don’t have a recent immigrant experience but you remember your grandparents or ancestors traveled here many years ago seeking a better life. Fresno Pacific’s Mennonite roots are full of immigrant stories about escaping persecution, finding protection under foreign rulers and working hard to start a new life in a foreign land. You are now the fruit and legacy of their hard work and sacrifice.

For many American citizens, the immigration topic often boils down to views of legal or illegal. One is right and one is wrong. And as we often learn when we get to college, most things in life are not so simply resolved. When it comes to immigration, the same is true. Solutions are complex and people’s lives hang in the balance.

When we get together next month, I know some of you will be bringing real questions and concerns about immigration. Let me walk through a few that often come up, just to start the conversation:

Where do we even start?

As followers of Jesus, we start with God’s Word. We know God establishes what is right, that people are created in God’s image, and we are called to love both our friends and enemies as Jesus loves us. From there, we let Scripture guide our modern-day actions toward a faithful immigration system that honors both rule of law and compassion for others.

Does the Bible have anything to say about immigration?

Yes! Did you know there are over 40 scripture passages giving guidance on how to treat the immigrant? Very early on, God calls us to remember the Israelites were foreigners in Egypt who endured terrible treatment. When we meet foreigners who have endured hardship, we are to show compassion in how we welcome them too.

What about Romans 13 and following the rules of the government?

Christians should honor the government and respect its authority, but we should also speak up and fight for change when we see laws that are unjust, broken or taking advantage of the vulnerable. Immigration is one of those areas requiring balance and nuance.

Why don’t immigrants just follow the rules?

For those who come with criminal intentions or actively seek to take advantage of the system, deportations are a just response. But for many trying to do this right, the system itself is broken and outdated. Instead of clarity, they find massive backlogs or no pathway to legal status. Compound that with employers who hire people illegally and inconsistently enforced laws, and we have generations of people who have built lives without clear, legal direction.

Why don’t immigrants just get in line?

That is one of the biggest challenges. The line for asylum seekers takes 4–8 years. Can a desperate parent and child trying to escape cartel violence wait that long? For refugees, it can take 5–25 years. Imagine living in a refugee tent camp for even a few years. For some, there is no line at all. Take the “Dreamer” brought as a child by their parents. They have no line at all because Congress has not acted on their behalf.

How do I love my immigrant neighbor while also respecting the laws of the land?

Treat your immigrant neighbor as God’s image bearer even while you honor the government’s laws and rulings. Where you can do so, work to improve these laws for the betterment of citizens and foreigners.

What about putting Americans first as citizens of this country?

Americans should not suffer the injustice of a broken immigration system either. We need secure borders, a robust immigration process, and ways to provide both Americans and immigrants working opportunities for the best economic benefit of our country.

What Can I Expect Next Month?

Immigration isn’t just a political talking point—it’s about people, families and neighbors. And for those of us who follow Jesus, it’s also about a shining city on a hill. God has a lot to say about how His people treat the foreigner, the stranger and the vulnerable.

So, here’s my invitation: bring your questions. Bring your experiences. Bring your honest doubts and concerns. This isn’t a conversation with easy answers, but it is one we need to have as a Christian community committed to justice, compassion and truth.

I look forward to seeing you at the Believers Church Lecture Series. Let’s explore together how God’s Word can guide us in shaping a faithful response to immigration today.