By Marco A. Grimaldo
Day 5 of El Camino del Inmigrante/The Path of the Immigrant has us walking to Oceanside, Calif. This is the community where my parents lived just after they were married, when Dad was still in the Marines. Oceanside is a military community just outside Camp Pendleton Marine base, and I am reminded of my father’s service to our country.
For my father, the military was a way to get out of south Texas and work toward an education. That is the same for many immigrants today, some of whom are without undocumentation, and serve in the U.S. Armed Forces with an eye toward a better future for our country and for themselves.
Working for Bread for the World, I was astounded to learn that many military families don’t always have enough to feed their children and rely on programs like SNAP and WIC to get by. It may surprise you to know that immigrants who serve honorably in the military are still at risk of deportation when they complete their service.
As we walk toward Oceanside and past Camp Pendleton, I will keep all of these concerns in my heart and share them in prayer at the end of the day. I hope readers will also pray for our service members and veterans who risk being split from their families or who may not have enough to eat.
Semper fidelis is the Marine Corps motto, and I pray that we may be always faithful to them as well.
Marco A. Grimaldo is the associate for Latino engagement at Bread for the World.
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