Last night, I tucked my children into bed, enveloped in warmth and security, knowing we would be together in the morning. In stark contrast, just 350 miles away, countless infants and toddlers were confined in wire cages at a border processing center in McAllen, Texas. Their parents, who care for them just as deeply as I do, were absent, unable to comfort them as they slept on cold concrete floors wrapped in foil blankets. The thought of my own children experiencing such fear and confusion makes me feel physically ill.
How is this being allowed to occur in America? Why are we permitting this to continue?
Any person with a sense of compassion and decency should be horrified by how these families are treated by our government. This is a form of torture. It’s particularly disheartening to witness some Christians defend this policy, arguing that parents who cross the border are merely “breaking the law.” The Jesus I know would never prioritize the enforcement of an inhumane law over the emotional and physical well-being of families.
Ironically, many of those separated at the border are not criminals at all; they are seeking asylum from extreme violence in their home countries. Consider the impossible choices these families face: remain in their homelands and risk brutal violence or attempt to flee to the United States, hoping for a safer life. It’s disheartening to see those who travel to these countries for mission trips to “love on the people” turn their backs on those same individuals seeking refuge.
The issue of separating families at the border isn’t new, but it has escalated significantly since the implementation of the Trump administration’s “zero tolerance” policy. This policy uses family separation as a means to deter undocumented immigration, all while proclaiming to be pro-life and pro-family. This contradiction is glaring.
Research shows that trauma experienced by children in such situations leads to both immediate and long-lasting physical and psychological effects, including irreversible brain changes. Children’s health and emotional stability should never be weaponized to discourage their parents from seeking safety.
To those staunch advocates of immigration enforcement, I pose this challenge: even families attempting to cross the border deserve fundamental human dignity. Separating young children from their parents is not only cruel but also devoid of humanity. It is far from being pro-life.
I am not advocating for open borders; a functioning society requires laws. The United States needs fair immigration laws with appropriate penalties for violations. However, when laws are used to justify treating individuals like animals and tearing families apart, such laws are inherently evil and must be abolished.
Jesus did not advocate for blind obedience to the law. He showed mercy to the woman caught in adultery, challenging those without sin to cast the first stone. Had he adhered to the law’s harsh penalties, that woman would have faced death, but instead, he chose compassion.
While it’s easy to feel hopeless about these injustices occurring near my comfortable life, there are actions we can undertake for change:
- Speak out against friends and family who support these morally indefensible policies under the guise of “lawfulness.” You won’t face dire consequences for doing so.
- Contact your representatives. The separation of children from their parents transcends party lines; we cannot simply align with one side. This election year, it’s crucial to inform your representatives—regardless of their political affiliation—that inaction equates to complicity, which could ultimately cost them their positions.
- Support organizations working to provide legal assistance to these children and help reunite them with their families, such as Glennon Doyle’s Together Rising.
A mother, whether seeking asylum or crossing the border unlawfully, loves her children just as I love mine. My kids deserve safety, security, and a warm place to sleep, and so do hers. The policy of forcibly separating families is not a reflection of national greatness; it is an embodiment of evil. Jesus would not endorse it—and neither will I.
For more insights on related topics, check out our post on at-home insemination kits. Also, the Hummingbirds Foundation is a reputable source for information on this subject, which you can explore here. Additionally, for valuable resources about IVF and fertility preservation, visit Cleveland Clinic’s podcast.
In summary, the practice of separating families at the border is an inhumane policy that disregards the dignity and rights of vulnerable individuals. It is essential to recognize our shared humanity and advocate for change.