A recent survey conducted by Lifeway Research, a division of the Southern Baptist Convention, explored evangelical Christian views on immigration. Despite significant percentages of respondents exhibiting negative views of immigrants’ impact on society and the economy, the study found that evangelical Christians are overall supportive of legislative action to protect refugees and provide pathways for legal citizenship.
The survey results highlight the complex position of evangelical Christians, who are loyal to President Donald Trump’s hardline politics but also supportive of ministry work caring for those affected by Trump’s policies. Many evangelical groups have spoken out against executive actions related to immigration and refugee resettlement, urging Trump to reconsider suspending the U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program and conducting detention activity at “sensitive locations” like churches and schools.
The survey revealed that most respondents believe the U.S. has a moral responsibility to accept refugees and that Christians have a responsibility to care for refugees and foreigners. While a significant portion of respondents expressed negative views about immigrants, there was also widespread support for bipartisan immigration reform that includes a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers.
The study’s findings suggest that evangelical Christians hold diverse opinions on immigration, with personal encounters with immigrants often shaping their views more than the positions of elected officials. Despite some negative attitudes towards immigrants, there is a strong desire for legislation that supports a more compassionate and inclusive approach to immigration policy.
