Love Undocumented: Risking Trust in a Fearful World

Journalist Quezada wrestles with the Christian response to immigration in her probing and personal debut. The backbone of the book is her story of moving to a largely immigrant community in downtown Los Angeles and her cross-cultural courtship with Billy, an immigrant with a visa problem who eventually achieved full citizenship. Throughout her telling of Billy’s story, Quezada examines the religious basis of biblical truths and the shifting legal sands that immigrants must wander as they live and work in legal limbo. She details both state and federal legislation (including actions by the Trump administration through mid-2017) as she builds a compelling case for Christians to welcome immigrants. She calls on the church to educate their congregations and address the uncomfortable question: “What will we do if Christlike behavior becomes criminalized?” Quezada also examines instances where Christians have responded to the needs of undocumented workers, concentrating on the New Sanctuary Movement and El Refugio, a ministry to detainees and their families. Quezada challenges readers to overcome barriers and welcome strangers, regardless of their immigration status. (Jan.)