Evangelicals Join Broad Call for Bipartisan Immigration Reform
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Prominent evangelical leaders and organizations are urging Congress and the incoming Biden administration to work together on bipartisan immigration reform.
Individual evangelical leaders and the nine organizations that make up the Evangelical Immigration Table are among more than 180 American businesses, organizations and individuals who signed a statement in support of reform that was released today.
“Strong leadership and bipartisanship from Congress and the administration, starting on day one, is critical to build an immigration system that works for U.S. families, grows our economy, and strengthens communities across our nation while welcoming immigrants who seek to contribute as critical partners of our society,” says the statement, which also appeared today as a full-page ad in the New York Times.
The Evangelical Immigration Table includes Bethany Christian Services, the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, Faith and Community Empowerment, the National Association of Evangelicals, the National Latino Evangelical Coalition, The Wesleyan Church, World Relief and World Vision.
Other signatories include additional faith groups including the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops/Migration and Refugee Services, a wide range of trade associations and businesses, local police departments and chiefs of police, and a diverse spectrum of civic and advocacy organizations.
The following are quotes from leaders of Evangelical Immigration Table organizations that signed on to today’s statement:
Scott Arbeiter, President, World Relief:
“At a time of many divisions in our nation, World Relief is honored to stand alongside such a broad range of faith groups, businesses, law enforcement agencies and immigrants’ rights and advocacy organizations from across the ideological spectrum, insisting that Congress and the incoming Biden administration pass long overdue immigration reforms on a bipartisan basis. For us, that commitment is rooted in the clear commands and principles of the Bible. For others, this call may be motivated primarily by a desire for national economic growth or for ensuring public safety. For all of us, it’s the right thing to do, and we pray that both sides will quickly come together to act.”
Walter Kim, President, National Association of Evangelicals:
“The Scriptures speak powerfully about the dignity of every person and about God’s deep love and care for immigrants and refugees. These are people we know personally, who have contributed to the vitality of our churches, communities and nation. The new Congress and administration have an opportunity to provide overdue moral leadership in fixing our broken immigration system so that it reflects justice and compassion while maintaining the security of our borders.”
Chris Palusky, President & CEO, Bethany Christian Services:
“Families, neighbors, and communities across the United States are divided like we haven’t been in centuries, but we can find unity when we come together in pursuit of a more perfect union. Congress and the Biden administration should make clear to the American people that finding common ground by reforming a broken, unjust immigration system benefits all of us. And as Christians in America, we should advocate for an immigration system that proves we love people like God loves people.”
Gabriel Salguero, President, National Latino Evangelical Coalition:
“As pastors and congregations who have long believed we can repair our deeply broken immigration system, we are calling for bipartisan leadership that provides real and humane solutions. The time to act is now.”
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The Evangelical Immigration Table is a broad coalition of evangelical organizations and leaders advocating for immigration reform consistent with biblical values.
