Evangelical Leaders Commend Bipartisan Dignity Act as a Way Forward on Immigration
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today a coalition of evangelical denominations and organizations sent a letter to Members of Congress, commending the introduction of the Dignity Act of 2025. The bipartisan immigration bill is cosponsored by Florida Republican Maria Salazar and Texas Democrat Veronica Escobar, along with 18 cosponsors.
The bill would allow undocumented immigrants in the country who meet particular criteria — including passing a criminal background check — to earn permanent legal status if they pay a significant fine as restitution for their violation of an immigration law. It would also allow immigrants brought to the United States as children, known as “Dreamers,” a pathway to citizenship without the payment of this penalty. Additionally, the bill would further invest in infrastructure at the U.S-Mexico border, to ensure both security and due process for those who have fled persecution.
“While the vast majority of evangelical Christians believe that violent criminals should be prioritized for deportation, Lifeway Research finds only 17 percent of evangelicals say the same about those who would be willing to pay a fine as restitution for breaking U.S. immigration laws,” the letter observes. “The fines and penalties proposed by the Dignity Act would more than cover the billions of dollars that the bill proposes to improve border security, addressing another core immigration policy concern for evangelical Christians — but without expanding the federal deficit.”
The letter notes that these two policy priorities — improving border security and creating a restitution-based legalization process for immigrants in the country unlawfully — are supported by 76 percent of evangelical Christians, including about seven-in-ten evangelicals who voted for President Trump in 2024.
The evangelical leaders conclude the letter commending this bipartisan effort, which they say would guard “against chaos either at our borders or in our churches and workplaces.”
The Evangelical Immigration Table has prepared an easy-to-use advocacy tool to help evangelicals urge their lawmakers to consider this legislation.
The following are quotes from leaders of evangelical organizations who signed the letter:
Raymond Chang, President, Asian American Christian Collaborative:
“Many evangelicals are deeply troubled by what seems like indiscriminate immigration enforcement, which has led to the detention and deportation of longstanding members of our churches and communities who haven’t been convicted of any crime. This bill would provide a way forward for these integral members of our community. I’m praying Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle will work together to pass it into law.”
Myal Greene, President & CEO, World Relief:
“Over the past several weeks, many evangelicals across the country have been dismayed by images and stories of families being separated by immigration enforcement actions, church members being detained, businesses disrupted and threats of deportation to people who have lived peaceably in this country for many years. With a surge in immigration enforcement resources in the funding bill that passed recently, these dynamics are likely to increase. Surely, there must be a better way, and this bill represents an approach that respects the rule of law but also is compassionate and humane.”
David Hoag, President, Council of Christian Colleges & Universities:
“The Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU) is grateful that Congress is working toward bipartisan solutions to immigration through proposals like the Dignity Act and its inclusion of the DREAM Act provision. This critical component of the legislation offers a path to stability and opportunity for Dreamers—young people brought to this country through no fault of their own who have been shaped by our communities, churches, and campuses. The CCCU advocates for Dreamers to have the opportunity to thrive in environments where they can grow academically and spiritually, and this provision would contribute toward that important goal.”
Walter Kim, President, National Association of Evangelicals:
“Congressionally authorized funding has provided for unprecedented border security. Now we have the opportunity and responsibility to secure a just and humane resolution to the status of immigrants who are valued members of our churches and communities. The bipartisan Dignity Act led by Representatives Maria Salazar and Veronica Escobar is a bill whose time has come.”
Gabriel Salguero, President, National Latino Evangelical Coalition:
“Latino evangelicals, like evangelical Christians overall, want secure and orderly borders, but they are heartbroken by the large number of longstanding members of our churches and communities who are being detained in dehumanizing conditions, despite never having been charged with any crime. The Dignity Act would address this crisis by providing a way forward rooted in the biblical principle that all people, including immigrants, are made in God’s image with inherent dignity. I’m thankful to Congresswomen Maria Salazar and Veronica Escobar and the other Members of Congress who have done the hard work of forging bipartisan agreement, and I’m praying this will move forward quickly.”
