Christians Make Up Majority of Deportation-Vulnerable Immigrants
A new report reveals that four in five immigrants at risk of deportation from the U.S. identify as Christian. The study, backed by major evangelical and Catholic groups, estimates that around 10 million Christians face possible deportation. An additional 7 million U.S. citizens who are Christian live in households with someone at risk. The report draws on U.S. Census data and global religious demographics.
Religious Leaders Call for Greater Awareness
Faith leaders involved in the report urge fellow Christians to recognize how immigration policies could impact their communities. Matthew Soerens of World Relief emphasized that Christian teachings call for care for all people. However, he noted that many American Christians may not realize that most deportation-threatened immigrants share their faith.
Report Aims to Inform, Not Endorse Political Positions
Though the report stops short of political advocacy, its sponsors—such as the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the National Association of Evangelicals—have previously supported immigration reforms. These reforms would grant legal status to some immigrants. The current focus is to raise awareness among Christians about the human toll of aggressive immigration enforcement.
Deportation Policies Stir Concern Over Church Decline
Faith leaders warn that mass deportations could harm not just families but also churches. Many Christian immigrants come from regions where faith communities are thriving, and their participation is seen as revitalizing U.S. congregations. Walter Kim of the National Association of Evangelicals called mass deportation a “church decline strategy.”
Catholic Leaders Warn of Family Separation and Danger
Bishop Mark Seitz highlighted that over half of vulnerable Christians are Catholic. He expressed alarm over the potential for families to be torn apart. Seitz warned that deporting individuals to nations plagued by violence and instability could result in death. He emphasized the moral cost of current policy directions.
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Most immigrants at risk of deportation from US are Christian, report finds
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