Immigration.....A Walk In Their Shoes!

On April 23, 2018, the U.S. government ordered the departure of all U.S. government family members from Nicaragua and authorized the voluntary departure of U.S. government personnel due to escalating crime, civil unrest, and limited access to healthcare. This was not a routine precaution—this was an evacuation. Even personnel who remained were encouraged to return to the United States, where they would continue employment but be unable to meaningfully contribute to our mission. When conditions become so dangerous that our trained diplomatic staff must leave, it is clear how dire daily life is for the people who have no option to simply board a flight to safety.

Crime and instability across Central America span multiple sectors and stem from decades of deep-seated corruption within both public institutions and private industries. These forces extend far beyond gang violence; they reflect generations of systemic dysfunction that ordinary citizens have been powerless to escape.

The United States has long intervened in Latin America—often supporting dictators who protected our commercial and military interests at the expense of their own citizens. Under these regimes, corruption flourished and the innocent paid the price. Our government contributed to the erosion of these societies and helped create environments where criminal networks could thrive. While the United States is not solely responsible for the current instability, we undeniably share a measure of accountability. Now that these nations no longer provide the strategic benefits they once did, are we prepared to turn our backs on the people whose suffering we helped create?

Donald Trump and his advisors promote a nationalist vision of America as a Christian nation. What they fail to grasp is that diplomacy does not allow do-overs. International relationships are built over decades—sometimes centuries—and when you assume the presidency, you inherit the full weight of that history. Responsible leadership requires recognizing past actions, acknowledging accountability, and building foreign policy with an understanding of how those actions continue to shape the present. Democracies do not get to erase their past. And if the United States truly embraces Christian values, we cannot abandon those who are simply trying to live another day. We cannot rip children from the arms of parents whose only “crime” is attempting to survive.

Can we open our borders to every individual seeking entry? Of course not. But we can offer compassion, protection, and practical support to those who have no other refuge. That is, after all, the foundation of Christian teachings.

These immigrants are not running to the United States to steal jobs or exploit social programs. They are running toward safety—toward hope—because we are the most powerful nation on earth and we are their closest neighbor. They have nowhere else to turn. We must revisit our foreign policy in Central America and prioritize not only financial assistance but meaningful partnership, guidance, and long-term development. A stable and prosperous Central America is not simply a humanitarian ideal—it directly benefits the United States and future generations of Americans.

In the meantime, take a moment to imagine what life is like for these families who risk everything for the smallest chance to survive. If we can approach this issue with empathy—even briefly—we may begin to find solutions that honor both our values and our responsibilities.