“This month, we are focusing on the family. But the question is: which family? Most of us are part of many—our immediate biological family, extended relatives, and most importantly, the family of grace, the community of believers to which we all belong (Ephesians 2:19).
As we reflect on family, we must also consider the external forces that affect it—policies, economics, and global shifts that reach across borders and disrupt relationships, hopes, and livelihoods.
Immigration and Economic Policies: Who Is Affected?
The Trump administration’s immigration policies have affected people worldwide, but particularly Jamaican families with ties to the U.S. These include:
- Green card holders are at risk of losing status due to prolonged absence.
- Undocumented residents who live in fear of deportation.
- International students facing uncertain visa renewals, funding cuts, and re-strictions on travel and research.
"The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself" (Leviticus 19:34).
While every nation has the right to enforce its borders—Jamaica itself limits undocumented immigration from Haiti and employment from some Chinese nationals—we must assess the human impact of these decisions.
Effects on Students and Families
Many Jamaican students in U.S. universities now live with uncertainty. Their education, scholarships, and summer research plans are under threat due to immigration instability and funding freezes in top schools like Northwestern, Columbia, and Princeton.
“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding” (Proverbs 4:7).
Families are also anxious. Summer travel plans for graduations, weddings, and funerals are on hold—even for citizens and green card holders—due to mixed messages and in-consistent enforcement. This fosters fear and delays much-needed family reunions.
Economic Fallout and the Jamaican Household
Tariffs imposed by the U.S. have sparked global retaliation. As trade partners withdraw, this has led to layoffs, price increases, and reduced remittances from relatives abroad—affecting school fees, housing, and basic living in Jamaica.
Our tourism sector, a vital source of national income, may also decline as U.S. economic downturn affects travel as indicated by our tourism minister. (See Travel Market Re-port, April 2025)
“But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith” (1 Timothy 5:8).
Pastoral Reflections: What Should the Church Do?
We are not isolated. Even if these issues seem far off, they have a ripple effect. The Church must not only pray but act.
Let us:
- Pray for undocumented individuals to find legal pathways to regularize their status.
- Support families dislocated by policy shifts.
- Stand with students whose education and future are uncertain.
- Encourage the U.S. Church to reflect on its witness and the implications of political alignment (Amos 5:24 – “Let justice roll down like waters…”).
Conclusion: A Call to Unity and Justice
This is a war—not with bombs and guns, but with policies. Not only between Israel and Gaza or Russia and Ukraine, but between the U.S. and the world. It is fought through tariffs, immigration, and economic isolation.
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice… and to set the oppressed free?” (Isaiah 58:6).
We must pray for wisdom, stand up for justice, support the hurting, and prepare to make personal sacrifices. As the family of God, we are one body. Let us ride out this storm with hope, unity, and prayer.