By Rev. Cruz Edwin Santos
Introduction
As an immigrant with U.S. citizenship from birth, my journey has been shaped by a struggle that many people of color and immigrant families face in the United States. I was born and raised in Puerto Rico, where I completed my education, including college and seminary. Puerto Rico has never been free—it was first colonized by Spain and later, after the Spanish-American War, by the United States. Although Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens by birth, we often experience a second-class status when we move to the mainland. My story is one of resilience, challenges, and advocacy for immigrant families facing persecution and systemic barriers in this country.
A shock to the system: My experience moving to the U.S.
When I moved to the United States 34 years ago, I encountered a harsh reality; I was treated as an outsider despite my U.S. citizenship. My accent, skin color, and cultural background placed me in a category where I was seen as “less than.” I was told I would be more effective as a pastor in Hispanic churches rather than predominantly white congregations. The implicit message was clear; I was not fully accepted in spaces of power and influence. Migration profoundly impacted my mental health and my family, but I always minimized or did not adequately address it. The decision to leave behind my home, culture, and roots comes with complex emotions including hope, fear, uncertainty, and, in many cases, pain.
My experience is not unique. Across the U.S., immigrants and people of color continue to face systemic discrimination—whether through wage gaps in workplaces, lack of representation in leadership, racial profiling in schools, exclusion in churches, or barriers to accessing essential services. The critical question we must ask ourselves is: Are we truly practicing love by embracing diversity, or are we forcing assimilation at the cost of cultural identity?
The struggles of immigrant families
Today, immigrant families face unprecedented levels of fear, frustration, and brokenness. The persecution they experience comes in many forms:
- Legal and political barriers: The immigration system is complex, often leaving families in legal limbo for years.
- Economic hardships: Many immigrants come to the U.S. seeking success but are met with exploitation, low wages, and limited job opportunities.
- Social and cultural rejection: The expectation that immigrants must assimilate rather than be embraced for their diverse identities creates alienation and erasure.
- Family separation: Harsh immigration policies continue to separate children from their parents, causing lasting trauma.
We must advocate for these families and walk alongside them with integrity and love.
Why do people immigrate to the U.S.?
The standard narrative suggests that immigrants come to the U.S. seeking economic opportunities, but the reality is more complex:
- U.S. interventions in Latin America: Historical and political interventions have destabilized many Latin American countries, forcing families to seek refuge in the U.S.
- Poverty and violence: Economic instability and gang violence in home countries push individuals to seek a better future.
- Hope for a better life: Many immigrants arrive believing that the U.S. offers safety, education, and the possibility of success.
- The right to live in peace: Above all, immigrants desire the dignity of a life free from fear and oppression.
The role of the Church in inclusion
The Christian message is rooted in love, justice, and inclusion. Yet, many churches are not set up to welcome all people. Instead, they reflect societal biases, favoring dominant cultural norms over true diversity. We must return to the core values of the Gospel, which calls us to be in ministry with the most vulnerable. Jesus himself was an immigrant, rejected by his people, yet he taught radical love and inclusion.
Inclusion is more than a concept—it is a practice that requires intentionality. When we include others, we affirm their humanity, learn from their experiences, and expand our understanding of God’s creation.
Why we need inclusion now
We live in a time when people face persecution based on skin color, language, gender identity, and economic status. This is the moment for the Church and society to stand against injustice and advocate for those on the margins. A theology of inclusion will allow our communities to begin necessary conversations and ministries that have long been neglected.
To move forward, we must:
- Share our stories: Personal narratives humanize immigration issues and create empathy.
- Be advocates: Stand up for immigrant families and speak against unjust policies.
- Listen and learn: Engage with immigrants and communities of color to understand their needs.
- Promote ecumenical collaboration: Work across faith traditions to build inclusive ministries.
- Embrace love over assimilation: Honor the cultures and identities of all people rather than forcing them to conform.
As of July 1, 2022, the Hispanic population in the United States reached 63.7 million, accounting for 19.1% of the nation’s population.
This significant demographic highlights the importance of inclusive practices within our communities and institutions.
The Church’s role in supporting immigrant families
Faith communities have a longstanding tradition of welcoming immigrants and can play a pivotal role in supporting immigrant families through various initiatives:
- Pastoral Care: Providing spiritual support and counseling to help immigrants navigate the challenges of adapting to a new environment.
- Educational Programs: Offering English language classes and educational workshops to assist immigrants in overcoming language barriers and integrating into society.
- Advocacy: Engaging in advocacy efforts to promote just immigration policies and protect the rights of immigrant families.
- Social Services: Providing assistance with basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter, as well as connecting immigrants with legal aid and healthcare services.
- Community Building: Creating inclusive spaces where immigrants can share their stories, celebrate their cultures, and build supportive relationships within the broader community.
By embracing these actions, the Church can embody the Gospel’s call to love our neighbors and stand in solidarity with immigrant families, fostering communities where everyone is valued and supported.
Immigrant families are terrified by the policies of this new administration. Children come to school daily in tears, unsure if their parents will be home when they return. A massive wave of deportations is violating the human rights this nation has always claimed to uphold.
Churches and schools are filled with fear, uncertain what might happen next. Parishioners remain imprisoned in their own homes, afraid to step outside. Farmers and businesses are already feeling the consequences. Some churches are closing, while others post signs to protect their people.
We must remember that Jesus was an immigrant. This nation has always prided itself on welcoming those seeking a better life. We come here not to take but to work, to build, and to give our children opportunities they could never have in their home countries.
Now is the time to act. We need to create a movement to speak out and share these stories. Call politicians. Connect with community organizations advocating for the most vulnerable. Raise your voice before it is too late.
Conclusion
As a coach and mentor for many candidates preparing to become pastors in The United Methodist Church, I always remind them to carry three essential items—things that will sustain them spiritually and guide them through this sacred journey: the Bible, to keep them rooted in God’s Word; the UMC Book of Discipline, to help them walk faithfully within the church’s structure and mission; and the Book of Worship/Hymnal, to nurture their souls through prayer and song.
But today, with a heavy heart, I find myself adding a fourth item that many will need to keep with them at all times: their passport. It pains me that for so many, the ability to answer God’s call is tangled with immigration concerns.
For too long, people have remained silent about the injustices immigrants face in the United States. My story is just one among millions who experience discrimination, exclusion, and hardship. But we have the power to change the narrative. By advocating for inclusion, standing with immigrant families, and embracing the Gospel’s call to love our neighbor, we can build a future where everyone is seen, heard, and valued. The time to act is now.
For more information about resources for working with the growing Hispanic/Latinx population, please contact Rev. Cruz Edwin Santos at cesantos@pnwumc.org.
Rev. Cruz Edwin Santos serves as Director of Hispanic/Latinx Ministries for the Pacific Northwest Conference of The United Methodist Church.
