Loving Your Neighbor Isn’t Political
By Maria Mendoza
The Bible & Immigration
During my time serving at the border, I noticed a common theme circulating in some “Conservative Christian” circles—the belief that deporting undocumented immigrants is not only lawful but biblically righteous. Many point to Romans 13:1-7 to justify this view, claiming it’s simply about obeying the law and that anyone who wants to stay here should “just come legally.” It’s presented in black and white—legal or illegal, good or bad—without room for nuance or compassion. Romans 13 to justify mass deportation is a misapplication of the text. Romans 13 speaks about the duties of Christians toward governing authorities. They say assumption is the lowest form of knowledge. Assuming that every immigrant is a Christian—and therefore bound by Romans 13—is not only misguided, it’s frankly, foolish. Romans 13 doesn’t give us license to withhold compassion or ignore suffering just because someone lacks legal status.
Why It’s Not That Simple
Why isn’t this issue as black and white as some make it out to be?
Because immigration isn’t as simple as “legal” or “illegal.” The definition of who is considered “illegal” shifts constantly—depending on the current administration, policies, and political climate. What’s unlawful under one president might have been allowed under another. This isn’t just a legal matter; it’s a moving target shaped by changing laws and circumstances.
In 1986, the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA), signed by President Ronald Reagan, granted amnesty to undocumented immigrants who had lived continuously in the U.S. since before January 1, 1982. In 2012, President Obama created DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), allowing certain immigrants brought as children to avoid deportation if they met strict criteria (such as arriving before age 16 and living continuously in the U.S. since 2007). Many people—including children—fall through the cracks of these ever-changing policies. Some gain legal protection simply because of timing; others don’t, through no fault of their own. Yet those who “missed out” aren’t any less human. They’re our neighbors.
Why This Is Personal
This is directly affecting my community in the Rio Grande Valley. People are scared—and I’m afraid for them. In the past few weeks, we’ve seen blatant racial profiling—people with brown skin, construction workers, and restaurant employees being unfairly targeted.
My heart beats for my community, it sees their struggles, and it cares deeply. What we’re witnessing here in the Valley breaks my heart.
But one thing I know for sure: immigrants are some of the most resilient, creative, and entrepreneurial people I’ve ever met.
And honestly, if crossing a border out of desperation is considered a sin against the government, then let’s be clear: what these people ultimately need isn’t a green card or a work permit—they need Christ.
The Bible says Satan is the accuser—the one who calls people by their sins. And when we reduce people to their immigration status—labeling them “illegals” instead of seeing their humanity—we’re aligning ourselves with the accuser, not with Christ.
As someone who’s come to realize that my greatest pride and joy isn’t found in any country’s citizenship, but in being a citizen of heaven, all I can pray is this—Come, Jesus, and teach us a better way to love one another, no matter where we’re from.
Ignorance is Bliss
Am I an ignorant American?
That’s a question I believe we all need to ask ourselves. Personally, I think I am—and I’m reminded of it daily. I hope that by the time you finish reading this, you’ll start asking yourself the same question, especially when it comes to understanding the root causes of mass immigration.U.S. foreign policy and intervention have played a major role in shaping migration patterns from Latin America to the United States.
Take Guatemala in 1954. A democratically elected president, Jacobo Árbenz, was overthrown by U.S. efforts after his land reforms threatened American corporate interests—specifically the United Fruit Company (now Chiquita Brands International). That coup unleashed decades of dictatorship, civil war, and mass displacement.
Or look at Nicaragua in the 1980s. The U.S. funded and armed Contra rebels to fight the leftist Sandinista government, fueling years of violent conflict and forcing many Nicaraguans to flee—many of whom sought refuge in the United States.
These are just a few examples, but they show how the root causes of mass migration today can often be traced directly to U.S. intervention in the affairs of sovereign nations. People ask, Why can’t they just go back home? Because the U.S. disrupted their home long before they came here.
