(Interestingly, with the exception of indigenous native people,
we all belong to one of the many streams of immigrants to this land)

We have in recent days witnessed the brutal tactics of ICE agents as they terrorize immigrants in the midst of normal daily activities, often detaining and removing them from their families in broad daylight. As I thought about the fear and confusion brought on by this state of affairs, I was moved to remind us of the sacred place the scriptures give to the stranger, the alien, the foreigner in our midst:

“Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were once a foreigner in a strange land.” ~ Exodus 22:21

“The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.” ~ Leviticus 19:34

“For I was hungry, and you gave me food. I was thirsty, and you gave me drink. I was a stranger, and you welcomed me.” ~ Matthew 25:35

Then I penned the following blessing for my immigrant neighbors:

Bless the immigrants
who play by the rules,
who want only to provide for their families,
who work hard in jobs most of us are not willing to do,
who pay taxes,
who contribute to the strength of our communities,
who give love and laughter to their families and friends,
who seek only to live in peace.

Bless the immigrants
who fear daily for their safety,
who become scapegoats for larger societal issues,
who suffer the abuse of malignant policies and leaders,
who must constantly look over their shoulders,
   who are the objects of continual ridicule,
   who are gravely misunderstood and maligned,
 who deserve our gratitude yet too often are met only with hostility.

Bless the immigrants, dear God,
and protect them from the dangers and threats of this world.

Bless them and keep them,
our sisters and brothers from other lands, languages, and cultures,
that together with them we may experience life,
liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,
and together with them we may create the beloved community
where all of God’s children are welcomed,
in this place we all lovingly and gratefully call home.

Mark Lloyd Richardson
June 2025