As anyone who watched the presidential debate this past week can attest, there is a litany of hot-button issues animating the passions of voters this election season. Hearing the two candidates spar over abortion, the economy and the preservation of democracy underscored this. One of the most contentious of these issues in this election is immigration. Both candidates emphasize their credentials as border hard-liners and seek to portray the other as weak on migrant influx into the country. There seems to be little room for nuanced discussion on how the United States can address the root causes of migration and be more welcoming towards documented and undocumented migrants alike. This needs to change.

St. Joe’s prides itself on its adherence to Jesuit ideals. Reflection, care for the whole person and finding God in all things aren’t just buzzwords here. They’re deeply rooted values; ones that should shape each student’s experience on campus and their perception of the world as they navigate life after graduation. Ignoring the plight of migrants and refugees — not just at the U.S.-Mexico border but worldwide — is an abdication of our Jesuit values. Pope Francis said it himself earlier this week when he implored American voters to weigh immigration as a legitimate issue in this election.

Care for refugees and migrants isn’t a broadly popular or politically expedient course of action. In an election featuring two candidates trying to convince the electorate they are tougher on immigration and border security, it can seem there is no space for voters advocating for a humane discussion on the welfare of migrants. But caring about social justice has never been about doing what is popular. In fact, truly advocating for the whole person often means doing what is unpopular. As St. Joe’s students enter the polls this November, they would do well to remember refugees and migrants when casting their vote.