If you caught last week’s presidential debate, or any clips from it, you may have noticed Springfield, Ohio—my home—mentioned in a negative light. This has sparked a wave of outside commentary regarding our local issues.

I have been both an immigrant and a community leader. Having lived in Springfield for almost 25 years, I spent 14 of my early 18 years in Latin America as the child of missionaries. I understand the immigrant experience of adjusting to new cultures. For nearly two decades, I’ve served as a pastor in Springfield, and I currently lead one of the larger congregations.

With an influx of 15,000-20,000 Haitians seeking asylum, our city has become a key player in the immigration policy discussion. However, I can’t help but notice that very few of these commentators actually live in Springfield.

Like many other churches, including those led by Haitian leaders, our congregation is striving to support those in need and bridge cultural gaps. This effort begins with what we Christians refer to as discipleship, approaching our current situation—not as Democrats or Republicans—but as followers of Jesus, aiming to respond to individuals whom the Bible describes as created in God’s likeness.

The immigration crisis results from federal mismanagement

The government certainly has a significant role to play but, in a well-functioning democracy, policies should be informed by local perspectives—not by unfounded rumors or social media narratives.

Many in Springfield acknowledge that the immigration crisis arises from federal mismanagement from D.C., which often ignores the local realities faced by municipalities that must manage the fallout of these policies.

While we can point fingers at Washington for policy failures, how we treat each other is ultimately our responsibility.

My background allows me a unique viewpoint—not only to comment on what’s happening in Springfield but also to suggest ways for a divided community to improve and thrive once more.

Immigration is part of our heritage

For those whose faith is guided by the Bible, the narrative of God’s people is marked by migration—from the Old Testament through the expansion of Christianity in the early church. Even those outside the faith recognize that America’s narrative is intrinsically linked to immigration. No community can recount its history without acknowledging the role of immigration.

Regrettably, every group in America has faced its share of injustice and oppression. Perhaps it is this troubled past that reveals more common ground on immigration than we realize, even within the church.

As per Lifeway Research, 91% of evangelical Americans desire secure borders; similarly, 91% of evangelicals also support policies that uphold the dignity of every individual and honor family unity. We shouldn’t have to choose between security and compassion; instead, we can advocate for policies that encompass both.

Now is a pivotal moment for our nation. We can reshape our society into a safer, stronger, and more compassionate community by addressing immigration challenges while always recognizing the humanity in each person—be they immigrant or citizen.

For people of faith, Jesus provides clear direction on our treatment of others. In Matthew 22, He instructs us to love our neighbors as we love ourselves, equating our love for others with our love for God. If we think we can express love for God while neglecting our neighbors, we are missing out on the fullness of the Gospel.

To my fellow Christians, I pose this challenge: Let’s emulate Jesus’ example. Let us respond with kindness and empathy, as he did for the crowds, ensuring that our words reflect the care He showed, even to those with whom He disagreed.

Regardless of our beliefs, we must remember that slander can manifest in various ways. Repeating others’ points of view without comprehension can perpetuate falsehood, which is just as harmful regardless of its origin.

If it is not something that Jesus would say, then it should not come from our lips, either.

Jeremy Hudson serves as the senior pastor at Fellowship Church located in Springfield, Ohio.