When Michael Pham was 13, survival meant boarding a tiny fishing boat in communist Vietnam, drifting through the Pacific Ocean without food or water, dodging violent storms and pirates. Today, that same resilient refugee serves as the Bishop of San Diego, using his powerful personal journey to advocate for immigrants facing uncertain futures.

Pham's remarkable story is one of extraordinary transformation. As the first Vietnamese American to head a US diocese and the first American bishop appointed by Pope Leo XIV, he now stands as a beacon of hope for those navigating complex immigration challenges. His own harrowing escape from Vietnam - a three-day voyage that could have ended in tragedy - deeply informs his current mission of supporting immigrants facing potential deportation.

This year, Pham has taken an unconventional approach to supporting immigrants by physically accompanying them to federal courthouse hearings. With ICE agents increasingly present in courthouse hallways, making arrests that can tear families apart, Pham recognized the critical need for spiritual and emotional support. In June, he launched the Faith ministry (Faithful Accompaniment in Trust and Hope), which has already trained approximately 500 volunteers from 17 different faith backgrounds.

Despite soft suggestions from church leaders that he might simply bless immigrants during mass, Pham was resolute. "If I said I want to do something, I need to follow through," he explained, embodying a commitment to active compassion. His courthouse appearances, often alongside other clergy like Father Scott Santarosa from Our Lady of Guadalupe church, serve multiple purposes: providing comfort to immigrants, potentially moderating ICE interactions, and restoring a sense of human dignity to legal proceedings.

Pham's perspective is deeply personal. "There are people in court who have lived here for 10, 20, 30, 40 years without criminal records," he noted, highlighting the human cost of aggressive immigration enforcement. "And just imagine they have family, children, grandchildren, businesses – now being torn apart." His ministry represents more than symbolic support; it's a practical intervention designed to offer hope and solidarity to vulnerable communities.

The strategy seems to be working. During initial courthouse visits, no arrests were made while clergy were present - suggesting that visible, compassionate witnesses can potentially influence enforcement dynamics. By bringing together volunteers from diverse faith traditions, Pham's initiative demonstrates that supporting immigrants transcends religious boundaries.

At 58, Michael Pham has transformed his own story of survival into a powerful mission of protection and understanding. From a desperate teenager on a tiny boat to a respected church leader, his journey embodies resilience, compassion, and the enduring promise of American opportunity.