“If you go to the people of California, they don’t want any more sanctuary cities. They are tired of sanctuary cities.”

Recently in Los Angeles, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump he made this and related indirect comments at a press conference which has been largely overlooked. “They want these people out,” he said. “They’re just as scared as everyone else.”

What actually happened in our area that day? San Diego County leaders were continuing to make plans for a new respite center for migrants.

Some things shouldn’t be made clear, but I feel the need to do so anyway: this candidate does not speak for the people of California. No, we are not “afraid” of “these people”.

That’s why recently, together with hundreds of other evangelical leadersI signed an open letter to all presidential candidates to clarify my position as an evangelical on immigration issues.

I am an evangelical and my faith teaches me to care for the vulnerable, reflecting how I have been cared for by God. I signed because, as a fully pro-life person, I value the dignity of all people, especially those whose circumstances differ from my own, which I would easily ignore. San Diego, where I live, is the threshold approached by many seeking a better and safer life for themselves and their families.

As a Christian, I understand that generous hospitality and welcoming those in need is a principle that has informed and motivated Christians throughout the centuries. It was the impetus for the first orphanages and hospitals. It was the impetus that opened the floodgates to refugees after World War II. And the impulse of Christ’s heart remains.

As an evangelical, I am saddened that many outside my faith tradition see a caricature of it: one that is anti-immigrant and willing to bear false witness. This is not a true picture of my faith.

It also saddens me that many fail to be mature in their outlook. They fail to understand that it is indeed possible to love the stranger while supporting the need for safe and secure borders. In fact, it is right and possible for a government to try to protect its citizens while at the same time carefully opening its borders to those fleeing persecution and oppression.

In this presidential campaign for years, we have been presented with false elections on this issue. The reality is that this is not a problem. It’s both/and.

The truth is, I am not alone in my insights. The vast majority of American evangelicals are neither anti-immigrant nor pro-open borders.

I want to see a secure and orderly national border. And I want to see an immigration policy that protects the close family unit. I want to see policies that respect the God-given dignity of every person. (Over 90% of evangelicals feel the same way.) We can do this: both/and, not either/or.

The Old Testament prophet Jeremiah gave clear instructions from the Lord: “Do what is right and just. Save from the hand of the oppressor, the one who has been robbed. Do no harm or violence to the stranger, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place.” (Jeremiah 22:3)

While these instructions were given to the nation of Israel, not the US, they also give us a glimpse into God’s heart and intentions for His people. These are commands that shape my ministry and will influence my vote in November.

Fitzpatrick is an author and speaker who lives in Escondido.