A new report has revealed that about four in five immigrants at risk of deportation from the United States are christians.
The study was conducted by major Catholic and evangelical groups, using religious affiliation data and U.S. census statistics on migrants.
The report states that 10 million christians face possible deportation, while 7 million U.S. citizens live in households with someone at risk.
Matthew Soerens, a leader at World Relief, emphasized that christians should be aware of the faith of many deportation-threatened migrants.
“As christians, we believe all people have dignity.
“But many don’t realize most affected immigrants share our faith,”Soerens said.
Other organizations involved in the study include the National Association of Evangelicals and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration.
The report does not take a political stance but aims to increase awareness among Christians about the issue.
Immigrants at risk of deportation include those who entered illegally and those whose legal status could be revoked.
The Trump administration has targeted Temporary Protected Status holders, including Venezuelans, Haitians, Cubans, and Nicaraguans.
According to election surveys, Trump enjoyed strong support among Christian voters, including white evangelicals, white Catholics, and Latino evangelicals.
Walter Kim, President of the National Association of Evangelicals, warned that deportation could hurt churches in the U.S.
“They come from regions where Christianity is thriving.
“They help keep American churches vibrant and growing,” Kim said.
Kim also called for immigration reforms that distinguish between criminals and law-abiding immigrants.
Research has shown that immigrants are less involved in violent crime than native-born citizens.
Bishop Mark Seitz of the U.S. Bishops’ Migration Committee noted that most affected immigrants are Catholics.
Seitz warned that mass deportations would separate families and expose deportees to deadly dangers in their home countries.
“People fled their countries due to threats.
“If deportations continue, many will lose their lives,” Seitz said.
The report calculated Christian populations in immigrant-origin countries and applied those percentages to affected U.S. immigrants.
Many migrants come from Christian-majority regions such as Latin America, sub-Saharan Africa, and Ukraine.
The report concludes that immigration policies should consider both humanitarian concerns and the role of Christians in U.S. communities.