Yesterday, the Temporary Protected Status protections and work authorizations expired for approximately 330,000 to 350,000 Haitian nationals. Roughly 6,100 Syrian nationals also lost those same protections.

Regardless of where you stand on immigration policy, I hope we don’t lose sight of the human beings behind the headlines.

How many families woke up today wondering what comes next?

How many children are afraid of what the future holds?

How many businesses lost dependable, hard-working employees?

How many communities will lose neighbors who volunteered, coached youth sports, cared for the elderly, and quietly made their neighborhoods better?

How many churches will lose faithful members who served, worshiped, prayed, and loved their congregations?

As someone who has spent a great deal of my life in hospitals, doctor’s offices, and medical facilities, I can’t help but think about our healthcare system.

How many patients will lose trusted caregivers?

How many hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and medical practices will suddenly find themselves without compassionate, experienced professionals? Healthcare systems across the country have warned that the loss of TPS workers could worsen existing staffing shortages.

These are not just statistics. They are people with names, stories, dreams, and relationships. Many have spent years contributing to their communities, paying taxes, building businesses, serving churches, and caring for our most vulnerable neighbors.

As followers of Jesus, we are called to see people before politics. We are commanded to love our neighbors, welcome the stranger, care for the vulnerable, and remember that every person bears the image of God.

Before we argue about policies, may we first remember the people.

May our hearts never become so hardened that we stop asking, “How can I love my neighbor today?” ~OC