World Relief Unites Evangelical Leaders to Address Immigration Policy Ahead of U.S. Presidential Election

World Relief, a global Christian humanitarian organization, has mobilized evangelical Christian pastors and leaders from all 50 states to send a powerful message to the U.S. presidential candidates about immigration policy. Founded in the aftermath of World War II, World Relief has spent the past 80 years addressing humanitarian crises and strengthening communities in over 100 countries. As the 2024 presidential election approaches, the organization seeks to clarify the views of American evangelicals on immigration, a topic often misunderstood or misrepresented.

In a letter addressed to Vice President Harris, Governor Walz, former President Trump, and Senator Vance, evangelical leaders expressed concern that media portrayals of evangelicals’ stance on immigration have been inaccurate. They emphasized that the majority of evangelicals support compassionate and secure immigration policies grounded in biblical principles.

The letter outlines three core beliefs held by the evangelical community:

1. Respect for Human Dignity: Evangelical Christians believe that all immigrants are made in the image of God and deserve dignity and respect. With 91% of evangelicals agreeing that U.S. policies should reflect this dignity, the letter advocates for the protection of refugees fleeing persecution, many of whom are Christians facing religious oppression. Seventy-one percent of evangelicals believe the U.S. has a moral duty to offer refuge to those in need.
2. Support for Secure Borders: Evangelicals also value secure and orderly borders, with 91% supporting policies that ensure national security. The letter emphasizes that while immigration laws should prevent unlawful entry, they should also protect those fleeing persecution. Evangelical leaders believe that a balance must be struck between safety and compassion, ensuring that both are upheld.
3. Protection of Family Unity: Family separation is a key concern for evangelicals, who believe in preserving the unity of families as a fundamental biblical principle. The letter condemns policies that would forcibly separate families, especially those with long-standing ties to the U.S. Over 4 million U.S. citizen children live with at least one unauthorized immigrant parent, and evangelicals believe deportation policies should prioritize family unity over broad enforcement measures.

The letter calls on the presidential candidates to adopt these biblically-informed values in their campaigns and policies. Evangelical leaders affirm their commitment to praying for wisdom and courage for the nation’s leaders as they navigate complex issues surrounding immigration.

World Relief’s initiative, backed by prominent evangelical figures across the nation, serves as a reminder that evangelicals are neither anti-immigrant nor advocates for open borders, but rather seek policies that are both compassionate and secure. Their message is clear: immigration policy should reflect the values of dignity, security, and family unity, grounded in Christian faith and biblical teachings.

This effort underscores World Relief’s long-standing mission to address humanitarian needs and build stronger communities by promoting truth and compassion in public discourse. As the election draws closer, evangelical leaders remain steadfast in their commitment to loving their immigrant neighbors, upholding biblical principles, and advocating for fair and just immigration policies.