Two Republican congressmen are investigating over 200 NGOs, including major religious organizations, for allegedly aiding undocumented immigrants during the Biden administration. The inquiry, led by Rep. Mark Green of Tennessee and Rep. Josh Brecheen of Oklahoma, has drawn sharp criticism from faith leaders who call it a violation of religious freedom.
Focus on Federal Funding and Immigrant Aid
On June 11, Green and Brecheen announced the House Homeland Security Committee’s investigation. They accused NGOs of signaling to undocumented immigrants that aid was available at taxpayer expense. The probe includes a detailed questionnaire seeking information on federal funding, services offered, and legal actions taken since 2021.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Catholic Charities USA, the Council on American-Islamic Relations, and Global Refuge were named in the press release. Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush of the Interfaith Alliance said over 30 religious groups have received the letter.
Religious Leaders Decry the Investigation
Faith leaders strongly objected to the probe, calling it politically motivated and a threat to religious liberty. Bishop Dwayne Royster of Faith in Action labeled it “political propaganda” and “dramatic overreach.” He emphasized his group’s faith-based mission to care for migrants, regardless of legal status, and rejected the questionnaire as irrelevant.
Adrienne Walker of the Unitarian Universalist Association stated the group received no federal funds and condemned the inquiry as unconstitutional. She argued that the letter and survey aim to “intimidate or interfere” with protected religious activity.
History of Religious Partnerships in Migrant Support
Chieko Noguchi, spokesperson for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, confirmed that the USCCB had received the letter and would respond. She clarified that the bishops’ immigration work is typically carried out through federal partnerships aiding legally authorized groups, such as refugees and asylum seekers.
Rising Hostility Toward Religious Immigration Work
This probe follows similar actions in 2023 and has sparked online threats against staff at organizations like Catholic Charities. Critics warn that it fuels right-wing conspiracies and endangers faith-based humanitarian work. Brecheen’s ties to Christian nationalist movements have also drawn scrutiny amid these developments.
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Faith groups say House Republicans’ probe into immigration work violates their religious freedom
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