By Steve Kraemer

Some say they’re here illegally and must be deported. But do they understand why they came?Sometimes they’re running from their countries to save the lives of their families from gang violence, drugs and/or extortion. Sometimes they’re running to save their lives economically since they’re unable to find jobs that enable them to support their families.

Do they understand why they come to the U.S? We say we’re the greatest country in the world, home of the American Dream, the land of opportunity, the place of exceptionalism. Where else would they go?

Some say they must wait in line and enter the U.S the legal way. But do they understand that there is essentially no line to wait in? As noted in David Bier’s presentation to a Congressional committee titled “Why Don’t They Just Wait in Line? Barriers to Legal Immigration,” 4/28/2021, “the only immigrants who can immigrate permanently from abroad without numerical limits are the spouses, minor children, and parents of adult U.S. citizens, and even they have more potential bars to obtaining legal permanent residence than ever.” If, for example, you’re the Mexican brother of a U.S. citizen, the wait time will be nearly a century.

Do they understand that though they were undocumented noncitizens, they were still able to get jobs due to employers seeking cheap labor? And that most have lived in the U.S. for more than ten years, some for as long as 35-45 years? And do they understand that they’ve established deep roots in their communities, working hard, and often marrying, having kids, and attending places of faith?

Do they understand the consequences of deportation? That husbands will be separated from their wives, parents will be separated from children, and, even, sometimes from grandkids? That there will be psychological harm to family members and friends? That the loss of a breadwinner may cause major economic harm to the family and possible eviction? That the person being deported may be returning to a place he/she no longer knows, not having a work permit or a place to work and having to start all over? 

Let’s find common ground and agree that the sacred bonds of family should not be broken. We should not and must not separate families who call the U.S. their home!

From the 1/15/26 CWF Newsletter