The false promise of "return and enjoy our freedom"
Friday, April 11, 2025
What happened? The Department of Homeland Security has rolled out a new requirement that all undocumented immigrants register with the federal government, providing their current address and fingerprints. Yesterday, a federal judge ruled that the plan is legal. (I expect to see more lawsuits.) The goal is that undocumented immigrants will choose to leave the country.1
There are two things that I want to zoom in on (which Axios mentions, too).
“Being in the country illegally is a civil violation and not a criminal one.” This is oversimplified, but generally, if you commit a criminal offense, you could face jail time. If you commit a civil violation, you typically pay a fine. Failing to mow your lawn if your city requires it is a civil violation. Littering is a civil violation. Speeding on the highway is (usually) a civil violation. Being in the country without authorization is a civil violation.2
The Department of Homeland Security said in a statement: “President Trump and Secretary Noem have a clear message for those in our country illegally: leave now. If you leave now, you may have the opportunity to return and enjoy our freedom and live the American dream. Friends, I am angry about how disingenuous this is. The current administration is attempting to shut down even legal immigration pathways to the United States. They are lying to people, hoping they will give up their rights to due process under our Constitution and leave the country. The President has made it clear by his actions that unless you have $5 million to spend, he does not want immigrants to be part of the fabric of American life.
Photo: John Moore/Getty Images
How can I pray? Pray for everyone trying to figure out what to do in light of this announcement. Pray that our political leaders will prioritize compassionate policies and miraculously pursue legislation allowing people to apply for legal status from within the U.S. Pray that the Church will rise up as a place of refuge in these difficult times.
What is one more thing I can do? What needs does a church or other nonprofit serving immigrants in your city have? Can you find one of those needs to meet today? Share with us if you do!
The government is almost certainly doing this because it’s nearly impossible to deport every person here without status, and even if we had the infrastructure to carry out those plans, it would be wildly expensive. Like $150 billion expensive.
This is more in the weeds, but crossing the border without authorization is generally a misdemeanor. But, a very large percentage of those who are in the U.S. without authorization entered the country legally and then overstayed their visa.