REPENTANCE BEFORE AMNESTY: A Prophetic Cry to the Christian Immigrant Community in the United States
Dr Josimar Salum
06/27/2025
The debate about immigration, especially in the Christian context, involves not only political and legal aspects but also a profound spiritual dimension. Over more than 30 years serving wholeheartedly among fellow Brazilians and many immigrants from other nations, I have observed recurring situations that reveal serious distortions, both in legality and in moral integrity.
On one hand, there is a clear and urgent need for immigration reform that can bring dignified and humane solutions to millions of people. On the other hand, one cannot ignore that many immigrants, consciously or not, end up wounding this land by breaking laws, opening the door to spiritual and social consequences that go far beyond simple illegality.
There are concrete cases that illustrate this reality. People enter the United States with a tourist visa, already planning to work and stay illegally, taking on a lie at the very moment of entry. Others, holders of a student visa, go on to work even though they know the law does not allow it, justifying themselves with phrases like, “No one will find out; I have to survive.”These same people, however, sign documents formally declaring they will not work, which constitutes deliberate fraud.
There are also sham marriages carried out exclusively to obtain immigration benefits. Petitions without a truthful basis are presented under the pretext of “helping someone,” but in practice, far from the truth, whether in religious processes or asylum requests.
Another concerning aspect involves businesses that, in order to avoid tax obligations, opt for informal and unregistered payments, encouraging “under the table” agreements. In many of these cases, there is no demonstration of repentance; on the contrary, there is even a certain pride in the ability to circumvent the rules, under the justification of sustaining and providing for the family.
Such behaviors, besides violating civil law, create serious spiritual breaches. It is like mocking the laws of the country that welcomes them, trying to gain advantages without respecting its norms. Added to this is the reality of people who cross the border in absolutely irregular conditions, fully aware they do not meet any legal criteria, and yet try to legitimize such practices, rationalizing their attitudes in the name of economic or social issues.
In this scenario, the need for genuine repentance in the Christian community stands out. The text of 2 Chronicles 7:14 warns us: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” Many prefer to treat these acts as mere justified mistakes, but they remain sins that break legal and spiritual principles, leaving doors open for painful consequences.
Therefore, it is urgent to proclaim a clear message of repentance that awakens consciences and especially sensitizes the Christian immigrant community. Even when these practices occurred before a genuine conversion to Christ, there is room for confession and a cry for forgiveness, so that God can fully work restoration in these lives.
A worrying phenomenon has also been observed in immigration legal practice: unscrupulous lawyers and professionals, known for fraudulent practices and for promising “shortcuts,” were repeatedly hired by people of faith, often without any ethical questioning. This was also seen in the Massachusetts region, where there was a high number of cases sponsored by churches involving identical petitions and dubious advice, evidencing a pattern of complicity. Even before the judge, many falsely declared they had not received help, when it was clear that the entire process was intermediated. The predictable result, in many cases, was the denial of requests and the worsening of their immigration situation.
This reflection does not aim to condemn, but rather to make an urgent call to repentance, conversion, and the practice of justice. It is necessary to recognize that many have abused the system, seeking shortcuts and justifications to circumvent rules, harming principles of honesty and integrity. The book of Proverbs reminds us: “Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law resist them” (Proverbs 28:4). And further: “Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than one who is perverse in his ways, though he be rich”(Proverbs 28:6).
These truths invite us to reflect on the importance of remaining firm in truth, respecting norms, and submitting to just principles — not merely out of fear of human law, but as a living testimony of the character of Christ.
The repentance that is needed should not be generic, but profound, transformative, and specifically directed toward the practices mentioned: lies to obtain visas, false statements, sham marriages, fraudulent petitions, informal payments, tax evasion, and benefits unjustly obtained — behaviors that offend the values of honesty and violate the justice of God.
The Word reinforces: “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy” (Proverbs 28:13). May there be courage and discernment to proclaim this message without fear, calling the community of faith to live in the light of justice and righteousness, not only in speech, but especially in attitudes and in the willingness to humble themselves, avoiding judging and condemning others or taking pride in any sense of self-righteousness.
This reflection echoes the call of John the Baptist, who proclaimed to the people: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near” (Matthew 3:2), reminding us that repentance is not merely a feeling of guilt, but implies a change of mindset and conduct, with concrete results and visible fruit.
This analysis points to a sensitive and urgent matter, so often silenced: the need for true repentance within the Christian immigrant community. May the voice of the Holy Spirit find hearts willing to listen and obey, so that there may be healing, restoration, and transformation both on a personal level and collectively.
And may Almighty God grant us His amnesty, even before, by His mercy, He might move the country to offer any amnesty to immigrants.
Psalm 103 (excerpt)
6 The Lord works righteousness
and justice for all the oppressed.
7 He made known his ways to Moses,
his deeds to the people of Israel.
8 The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
9 He will not always accuse,
nor will he harbor his anger forever;
10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
13 As a father has compassion on his children,
so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;
14 for he knows how we are formed,
he remembers that we are dust.
#ASONE
