Looking at Compassion Through Policy Decisions
Have you ever heard the saying, “Treat others the way you want to be treated”? It’s a simple lesson many of us learn as kids, and it’s a theme that runs deep in faiths like Christianity. But when you look at some decisions made at the national level, it can feel like those values are being ignored. One recent example is the decision to end Haiti’s Temporary Protected Status (TPS), a program that’s been a lifeline for thousands of Haitians living in the United States.
What is TPS and Why Does It Matter?
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a U.S. government program that allows people from certain countries—usually those dealing with war, natural disasters, or other crises—to stay in the U.S. for a limited time. It lets them work legally and protects them from being sent back to unsafe conditions in their home country.
For Haitians, TPS has been nothing short of life-changing. After the devastating earthquake in 2010, many Haitians were granted TPS. This gave them a chance to rebuild their lives in the U.S. while Haiti tried to recover from the disaster. Fast forward to today, and the program is being ended. The U.S. government has announced that conditions in Haiti have supposedly improved enough to no longer justify TPS. But on the ground, Haiti is still battling major challenges—food shortages, struggling hospitals, and dangerous gang violence that make daily life extremely difficult.
Why Is This Decision So Hard to Understand?
Imagine living somewhere for over a decade—building a life, working, raising kids, creating friendships—and suddenly being told you have to leave. For many Haitians with TPS, they’re being told to return to a place that’s still unsafe. It feels unfair and disconnected from the reality of the situation in Haiti.
For a nation that often prides itself on Christian values, this decision feels out of sync. The Bible teaches kindness and caring for others, especially for strangers and those in need. Take Matthew 25:35, for instance: “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” Or Deuteronomy 10:19, which says, “Love foreigners as yourselves.” These verses emphasize compassion and hospitality. So why are decisions like ending TPS ignoring these principles?
The Bigger Picture
The struggles Haiti faces are overwhelming. Millions of people rely on humanitarian aid, and violence and poverty make it nearly impossible for help to reach those who need it most. For Haitians living in the U.S. under TPS, the idea of being forced back into such conditions is terrifying. It’s not just about losing their jobs or homes—it’s about losing their sense of safety and stability.
Policy decisions like this don’t happen in isolation. They reflect the values we choose to prioritize as a country. Are we leaning toward compassion and justice, or are we making choices that feel cold and disconnected from the human impact?
A Call for Compassion
The Bible repeatedly teaches us that compassion and doing what’s right are more meaningful than empty gestures. Proverbs 21:3 puts it plainly: “To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.” This isn’t just a religious lesson—it’s a reminder to reflect the values we claim as a nation.
So, it’s worth asking: What kind of country do we want to be? One that supports the vulnerable and stands up for fairness? Or one that turns its back on people in need? The decision to end Haiti’s TPS is about more than just policy—it’s a reflection of who we are and what we stand for.
While decisions like this might seem distant or unrelated to day-to-day life, they have real consequences for families, communities, and even how we’re perceived globally. Let’s remember that kindness and compassion aren’t just good morals—they’re essential to our shared humanity.
Minister A Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 