Immigration, especially along the southern border where I served for a dozen years, is rightly a hot topic in the political arena, and reform is absolutely necessary. However, it’s not a recent issue. The influx of immigrants seeking asylum and a better life has been a part of the U.S. story since its inception, and it’s not likely to stop anytime soon.

While I believe that immigrants should follow the established processes, I also firmly believe that those who have already been here for any length of time and are contributing positively to our society should not be treated as criminals. We need clearer, more humane paths to legal residence and assimilation.

Contrary to some popular opinions, studies have shown that the number of immigrants with criminal affiliations or severe mental health issues entering America is highly exaggerated.

Corruption doesn’t only exist on the other side of the border; it’s ever present here, too. Hundreds of CBP employees have been arrested or indicted for smuggling, trafficking and criminal conspiracy.

It’s clear the immigration system is broken on multiple levels, and we must do better. From a biblical perspective, the mandate is also clear. In Deuteronomy (10:18-19), God “enacts justice for orphans and widows, and he loves immigrants, giving them food and clothing. That means you must also love immigrants.”

This has deeply influenced my approach to serving individuals and families stranded at the Mexican border, and those I would meet farther north in San Antonio, many whom I assisted with getting at least some elements of their lives established—regardless of their legal status.

I routinely encouraged these sojourners to stay current with their immigration requirements, helping to complete forms and ensuring they reported to scheduled appointments with Homeland Security. And from a humanitarian standpoint, I could not ignore their physical needs. Many arrived with only a backpack or nothing at all. My team and I would gather essentials like food, hygiene items, diapers, clothing, furniture, and appliances. We collected items through yard sales, thrift stores, and donations. For a long time, my garage was overflowing with supplies.

We also assisted with ESL, housing applications, school enrollments, vaccinations, bill management, and networking with other immigrant families, which often led to job opportunities.

The stories I’ve encountered are varied and heart-wrenching. I remember assisting a Peruvian family with several children who, after working hard for several years in the U.S., found the challenges so overwhelming they eventually had no other choice than to move back.

Then there was a Guatemalan couple with a young child who were robbed in southern Mexico while trying to reach the U.S. border. The young man continued north to find work and temporary housing, while his wife, forced to stay in an unfamiliar town, worked washing dishes every day with their child at her feet. Eight months later, she finally had enough money to reunite with her husband. A connection through Facebook helped them gain asylum status, and they are now on the road to legal residency. But their journey was far from easy.

One of the most challenging cases I’ve been personally involved with was that of a Honduran family of five. Eduin’s family was granted asylum upon entry, and they followed every legal requirement in detail. But months later, Eduin was suddenly arrested at his workplace without any charges and was detained for nearly seven months.

At the time, Eduin’s wife was six months pregnant with their fourth child, and she was left stranded with no income. We did what we could to cover the family’s living expenses, and I secured pro bono legal representation for Eduin.

The attorney couldn’t explain the reason behind Eduin’s detainment. Eventually, I filed papers to serve as Eduin’s sponsor, and he was released into my care without being charged or fined. I had the privilege of driving him home and seeing him reunite with his children, his wife, and their baby daughter—a moment I will never forget.

Eduin reuniting with his family and meeting his baby daughter for the first time

While these stories are tough, they are just a glimpse of what many families go through. I’ve been blessed to serve numerous immigrants, and the vast majority have been hardworking, of good character, and deeply committed to making meaningful contributions to our communities.