Compromise on Immigration Can Give us Secure and Compassionate Solutions

On immigration, how do we balance security concerns with compassionate need?

  For over 20 years, my wife and I have lived and worked in a ministry in Mobile, Alabama known as Friends of Internationals. Our focus has been mainly serving the international students studying as full-time students at the University of South Alabama.
  Along the way, though, we have interacted and built significant friendships with immigrants to our area who arrive in various ways. We learned that Mobile is the city in Alabama that receives refugees from war torn communities. We're also a community that has several large international businesses and an agriculture sector that employs international workers. We value diversity and have felt God's call to welcome these various groups to our city! Our personal mission as well as our country have been challenged severely in recent years by questions that immigration presents politically  and morally.
  Very recently, we were faced with a government shutdown due to the intractable issue of border wall funding and how to balance conflicting views. Beyond the border issue, I have personal friends whose lives have been thrown into turmoil over changing regulations and backlogs in the legal immigration system as well. We don't have a functioning immigration system in any sense of the word.
  Compromise isn't a dirty word. In a democratic society, compromise regarding difficult problems is often necessary to move forward.
  We need a secure border, but we also need a well functioning immigration system that allow for people to be treated fairly and with compassion, especially with regards to refugees and asylum seekers.
  What about children brought here illegally? What about those working illegally. Do we deport 11 million people one by one?
  All of these are legitimate issues and questions with, in some cases, obvious answers and others that are more complex and require careful planning and wise actions.
  We need a balanced solution that will allow increased spending on border security that aligns with the experts on the issues and not just political slogans. Whatever will work best to protect us as a nation from harm is what we should support.
  At the same time, we should be honest about the real human compassion issues that would best help the most vulnerable in their hour of need. America's long history of compassion and generosity can be sustained with legislative cooperation and a step back from threats, shutdowns and posturing for the sake of votes.
  We need our Congress and President to work together for a big picture, long term solution to immigration policy that would not kick the can down the road. We need some courage, and yes, even some compromise to move forward.

Jim and Mary Mather
Friends of Internationals
Mobile, Alabama

Telling a Better Story

Caleb Govati grew up in the Southern African nation of Malawi as one of 9 children. He was born into a home with parents dedicated to serving God but of meager means. Caleb's father and mother have committed their lives to serving God in mission and as small congregational Pastors. This meant that life was a struggle financially and the ability to pursue education would be difficult even in primary school. Caleb tells me of the embarrassment and struggle of going to school with no shoes and struggling with just providing the essentials. What would his future hold? Through athletics (soccer) and musical talent (singing), Caleb was able to secure partial music and athletic scholarship to attend school in Mobile, Alabama. He initially received an Associate Degree at Bishop State Community College and then went on to the University of Mobile where he received 2 degrees in a special 5 year program (Bachelor's degree in Computer Information Systems and Master's in Business Administration. The challenge of completing his degree while paying the bills on only a partial scholarship has been intense. He worked hard in a moving business that he himself started (he is able to legally work) and he continues to display a strong work ethic learned in growing up in poverty. In addition to his school work and athletic competition, Caleb has been involved in serving in the ministry of Friends of Internationals which we direct. Caleb clearly loves the Lord and people! We believe that God is wanting to connect him with an employer to help him begin his career and fully utilize his computer and business acumen. Being from a foreign nation reduces his ability to network and connect with potential employers. When he initially connects with potential employers some people are hesitant because they are concerned about employment status or just working with someone from a different background. Caleb is blessed with full work authorization and we are really hoping and praying for God to open up the right door for this personable, talented and prepared Business and Information Systems graduate! Perhaps you or someone you know would like to connect with Caleb! You can reach him at GOVATIC@GMAIL.COM