In the wake of Donald Trump’s re-election as President in 2024, faith groups across the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to protecting migrants and refugees. Trump’s campaign promises to block migration, suspend refugee resettlement, restrict asylum protections, and carry out mass deportations have raised significant concerns among these communities. In response, faith-based organizations are mobilizing to provide support and advocacy for those affected by these policies.
Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, president and CEO of Global Refuge (formerly Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service), emphasized the challenges ahead, stating, “Given President-elect Trump’s record on immigration and promises to suspend refugee resettlement, restrict asylum protections, and carry out mass deportations, we know there are serious challenges ahead for the communities we serve.” Vignarajah’s organization, along with others, is preparing to face these challenges head-on by continuing their work with migrants and refugees.
On the campaign trail, Trump also promised to end automatic citizenship for immigrants’ children born in the U.S., end protected legal status for certain groups, including Haitians and Venezuelans, and reinstate a travel ban for people from certain Muslim-majority areas. If these plans are implemented, FWD.us, an immigration and criminal justice reform advocacy organization, projects that by the start of 2025, about 1 in 12 U.S. residents, and nearly 1 in 3 Latino residents, could be impacted by mass deportations either because of their legal status or that of someone in their household.
Mark Hetfield, president of HIAS, a Jewish nonprofit working with refugees, highlighted the potential consequences of these policies, stating, “If the mass deportation articulated throughout the campaign season is implemented, it would tear families, communities, and the American economy apart.” Hetfield called for comprehensive immigration reform that updates antiquated immigration laws while protecting those who need refuge. He affirmed his organization’s commitment to speaking truth to power in solidarity with refugees and displaced people seeking safety around the world.
Omar Angel Perez, immigrant justice director for Faith in Action, a social justice organization, echoed these sentiments, recognizing the fear and uncertainty many are feeling. Perez emphasized the need for immediate action to protect the communities targeted throughout the campaign and during the prior Trump administration. He stated, “We remain committed to providing resources, support, and training to empower people to know their rights and stand firm against attempts to undermine their power.”
Matthew Soerens, vice president of advocacy and policy at World Relief, the humanitarian arm of the National Association of Evangelicals, pointed to polling by Lifeway Research earlier this year that showed that 71 percent of evangelicals agree that the U.S. “has a moral responsibility to accept refugees.” Soerens noted that while a majority of Christian voters supported Trump, it would be an error to presume that most Christians align with everything he has said in the campaign related to refugees and immigration.
