Good afternoon,  

At the Forum, we are concerned about recent policy changes that are impacting much of the work we do. These changes could have massive impacts on our communities and the broader debates surrounding faith and immigration.  

The Evangelical Immigration Table (EIT), a coalition of evangelical organizations and leaders advocating for bipartisan immigration reform, has been helping lead the conversation in this effort. At the beginning of the year, the EIT issued "An Evangelical Immigration Agenda for the 119th Congress and the New Administration" to all congressional offices. This policy agenda calls on the new Congress and the Trump administration to work together in advancing critical policy issues, including:  

On February 6th, 2025, Evangelical leaders representing prominent organizations within the EIT including the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC), National Association of Evangelicals (NAE), National Latino Evangelical Coalition (NaLEC), and World Relief attended the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C. While President Trump spoke about the importance of unity and faith, EIT leaders voiced concerns about the impact of recent immigration policies on religious freedom and their communities. There, Reverend Gabriel Salguero, president of NaLEC, spoke about the fear and anxiety experienced by students from mixed-status families, a concern shared by teachers in his congregation.  

Among the most pressing issues raised by these policies are the recent termination of "sensitive locations" and concerns about the future of the U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program. The change to "sensitive locations" allows immigration enforcement to enter churches, schools, and hospitals, discouraging multiple undocumented individuals from accessing essential services and attending worship. The termination of the U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program has ended lawfully provided refuge to those who are fleeing religious persecution, including thousands of Christian refugees. In response, the EIT has been actively advocating for these protections to be reinstated by sending a letter to President Trump, Secretary Rubio, and Secretary Noem, urging them to reconsider these decisions and respect longstanding commitments to religious liberty. To further support this effort, please join the EIT in contacting your members of Congress to reinstate the Refugee Resettlement Program.  

Recent LifeWay polling continues to show that evangelicals hold nuanced views on immigration and believe in solutions for legal pathways and opportunities for refugees and immigrants. The most recent study, conducted in January of this year, revealed several key findings: 

These results align closely with the EIT’s principles, showing that a significant majority of evangelicals support a balanced approach to immigration that emphasizes both increased border security and the establishment of new pathways to citizenship for undocumented individuals.  

Since 2012, the EIT has been encouraging a national discussion about immigration rooted in biblical values. While challenges still persist, the EIT remains committed to finding bipartisan immigration solutions that honor both faith and compassion. Whether a faith leader or not, we invite you to join us in advocating for bipartisan immigration policies that are compassionate and dignifying.  

Stay faithful and hopeful, 

Marina 

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