Christian and Evangelical leaders across the nation are calling on the Trump administration to reconsider its recent decision to suspend the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), arguing that it confuses refugees with illegal immigrants and undermines a long-standing U.S. policy designed to protect vulnerable people, especially persecuted Christians.
In an executive order signed on January 20, 2025, President Trump suspended USRAP for at least 90 days. The order calls for a reevaluation of whether continuing to accept refugees is in the best interest of the United States, citing a perceived “inundation” of migrants and significant strain on local communities. The executive order specifically mentions several cities, such as Charleroi, Pennsylvania, and Springfield, Ohio, as examples of areas impacted by the migration surge.
While security and resource concerns are important, many Christian organizations argue that USRAP serves a vital purpose in protecting those fleeing religious persecution. The Refugee Act of 1980 established the refugee resettlement program, allowing the U.S. to offer a safe haven to those escaping oppression. Supporters of the program, including major Christian groups, emphasize that it is a legal, orderly process that benefits both the refugees and the American public.
Matthew Soerens, vice president of policy at World Relief, noted that the refugee program has helped resettle over 3.3 million refugees since its inception. Unlike illegal immigration, refugees undergo extensive vetting, background checks, and health screenings before entering the country. This makes the refugee process much different from the chaotic, often unsafe, circumstances seen at the U.S. southern border.
Notably, Christian leaders are highlighting that Trump’s policies in previous years included a commitment to protect persecuted Christians and minorities, and they urge him to maintain a refugee admissions ceiling of at least 50,000—similar to the 2017 level. Many are concerned that suspending the program will leave vulnerable populations—particularly persecuted Christians in countries like North Korea, Somalia, and Libya—without the opportunity to seek refuge in the U.S.
Galen Carey of the National Association of Evangelicals echoed these concerns, explaining that halting refugee admissions is contrary to American values of compassion and humanitarianism. He and other faith leaders argue that the program embodies what it means to be an American: standing up for freedom and providing a haven for those who have nowhere else to go.
These leaders are also quick to point out that the refugee program should not be conflated with illegal immigration. Unlike illegal immigrants who enter the country without proper documentation, refugees come to the U.S. through a structured process that prioritizes security and order. For instance, refugees are referred by the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), undergo thorough vetting, and typically wait years for approval. After arriving, they receive support for the first few months to help them integrate into American society and contribute to the workforce.
As of the 2024 fiscal year, the U.S. resettled about 100,000 refugees, with nearly 30,000 of them being Christians fleeing religious persecution. Open Doors USA, a group that tracks the persecution of Christians worldwide, reported that nearly 4,500 Christians were killed for their faith last year alone. The U.S. has long been a beacon of hope for these persecuted minorities, and many religious organizations believe that halting the refugee program will harm the U.S.’s reputation as a champion of human rights.
Furthermore, immigration experts argue that the U.S. economy benefits from the refugee resettlement program. Refugees, after completing their integration process, often contribute significantly to the workforce, filling essential roles in various industries and paying taxes that exceed the costs of their resettlement. Research from the University of Notre Dame shows that within eight years of arrival, refugees contribute more in taxes than the costs associated with their resettlement, and over time, they continue to boost the economy.
Critics of the suspension also warn that it could send a dangerous message to the world. By shutting the door to refugees, the U.S. risks tarnishing its international standing as a leader in human rights and compassion. Refugee advocates argue that America has a moral obligation to continue offering a refuge to the persecuted, especially when other countries are unable or unwilling to do so.
In short, while border security and addressing illegal immigration are critical, Christian organizations are urging the Trump administration to recognize the distinction between refugees and illegal immigrants. They believe that halting the resettlement program could damage both the nation’s humanitarian legacy and its national security by closing off an important and well-vetted pathway for vulnerable populations to seek safety. The call is clear: America must continue to be a beacon of hope for those fleeing persecution, and not let political rhetoric confuse the vital role of the refugee resettlement program in securing both American and global values.