Maria only knows America as her home. Raised in Phoenix, she is American in every way but paperwork. Because of DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), she was able to go to school, work, and serve at her local church. Hear her tell her story.
“As an evangelical pastor, I don’t think about immigration primarily as a political, security or economic issue, but as a biblical issue,” says Rev. Joel Tooley. “The Bible is woven together with commands to love and welcome immigrants, and it makes clear that God established the family unit, giving us an impetus to prioritize the unity of families.”
Rev. Tooley is one of many pastors and other Christians who are raising their voices in calling for bipartisan legislation to pave the way for Dreamers, who are contributing as workers, taxpayers, entrepreneurs and consumers, to apply for citizenship. Most Americans believe immigrants strengthen the country. Last year polls found that 74% of Americans favor legal status for Dreamers, immigrants who were brought to the U.S. when they were children.
“America is my home,” says Maria. Many DREAMers, like Maria, need a permanent solution so they can pursue their dreams without fear. We’re praying for Maria, others like her, and the American promise they represent.
Let’s have the conversation you’ve always wanted to have about immigration.