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❤️Building Bridges, Not Walls: A Call to Faith, Justice & Compassion ❤️

Writer's picture: Melissa MendozaMelissa Mendoza

💜 This isn’t about politics—it’s about humanity and compassion! 💜


As a Mexican American entrepreneur and mental health professional, I have had the privilege of working with individuals from all walks of life. Diversity is our strength, not a threat. Too often, fear and division create walls—both physical and emotional—when what we need are bridges to connect us.


Immigration remains a deeply debated issue, but beyond policies and politics, it’s essential to view it through the lens of faith, empathy, and human dignity. The Bible calls us to welcome the stranger, defend the vulnerable, and act with love and justice.


Rather than building walls of exclusion, let’s build bridges of understanding. 💙


📖 A Biblical Call to Welcome the Stranger

Throughout Scripture, God commands His people to extend kindness, justice, and hospitality to immigrants and those seeking refuge. We, too, were once strangers, and it is our sacred duty to care for others as God has cared for us.


Key Bible Verses on Immigration & Justice

✝️ Leviticus 19:33-34

"When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. 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."


✝️ Deuteronomy 10:18-19

"He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt."


✝️ Matthew 25:35

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in."


✝️ Exodus 22:21

"Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt."


✝️ Proverbs 31:8-9

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy."


These verses aren’t just suggestions—they are commands. Faith calls us to build bridges, not walls, to bring people together, not push them apart.


💛 Choosing Compassion Over Judgment

Too often, immigrants face stigma, fear, and discrimination, yet their journeys are marked by courage, sacrifice, and perseverance. Instead of judgment, we are called to respond with compassion.


🌍 Building Bridges, Not Walls

Immigrants bring rich culture, hard work, and faith that strengthen our communities. We are stronger when we stand together.


✝️ James 2:14-17 reminds us:

"Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."


We can choose fear or faith. We can build walls of division or bridges of hope.


🔥 Faith in Action: How to Build Bridges

Faith without works is empty. If we believe in justice, mercy, and love, we must live it out daily. Here’s how you can build bridges:


✅ Advocate for fair policies that protect vulnerable individuals.

✅ Mentor or hire diverse talent, giving opportunities to those in need.

✅ Support immigrant-owned businesses and organizations.

✅ Donate to legal aid groups that help families facing deportation.

✅ Offer kindness and understanding to those navigating a new life.


🛠️ Resources for Immigrants Facing ICE Issues

For those in need of legal aid or community support, here are trusted organizations offering assistance:


✅ RAICES (Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services)

✅ National Immigration Law Center (NILC)

✅ United We Dream

✅ AILA Immigration Lawyer Search

✅ ICE Detainee Locator Tool

✅ Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC)


📲 Apps to Help Immigrants & Families

📌 Notifica – Emergency alerts & action plans for detained immigrants

📌 Arrived – Legal resources & court reminders

📌 Immi – Free legal screening for immigration options

📌 FindYourFriends – Helps families locate detained loved ones

📌 RedadAlertas – Sends community alerts about ICE activity


🇲🇽 Contigo App – Support for Mexicans Returning to Mexico

The Contigo App, launched by the President of Mexico, is a lifeline for Mexicans returning to Mexico. It provides legal guidance, financial resources, and reintegration support to help individuals transition smoothly.


🔹 Key Features of Contigo:

✅ Legal aid for returning migrants

✅ Assistance with housing and employment

✅ Connection to medical and mental health services

✅ Government support programs


Download the Contigo App through official government sources if you or a loved one is returning to Mexico.


📢 Michigan’s Latino Community: Strength in Numbers

Michigan is home to a growing and thriving Latino community that contributes to the state’s economy, culture, and workforce.


🔹 Latino Population in Michigan: Over 500,000 Latinos call Michigan home, making up about 5% of the state’s population.

🔹 Largest Latino Groups in Michigan:


Mexican American (the largest group)

Puerto Rican

Dominican

Salvadoran

Guatemalan

🔹 Cities with Large Latino Populations: Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Pontiac, and Southwest Michigan.

🔹 Latino-Owned Businesses: There are thousands of Latino entrepreneurs in Michigan, strengthening the economy and providing jobs.

We celebrate the contributions of Latinos and stand in solidarity with immigrants and their families.


💬 Let’s Continue the Conversation

As business leaders, professionals, and people of faith, we have the power to build bridges that uphold dignity and justice for all.


✨ How can you be a force for compassion in your community?

✨ What steps can you take to support immigrants and advocate for justice?


I’d love to hear your thoughts—let’s keep this conversation going!


Request an Appointment

Connect with Melissa to take the next step in your mental health journey.


📅 Schedule an Appointment Today 👉 Click Here


With gratitude,

❤️Melissa Elena Mendoza, LMSW ❤️

Chief of Operations, Pink Positive Psychology®


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