Evangelical and Catholic leaders call for expanded legal immigration pathways

The National Association of Evangelicals and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ migration committee have released a joint statement urging the U.S. Congress to create broader legal pathways for long-term immigrant residents. Released on October 14, 2026, the document, titled "A Call for Christian Compassion and Wisdom in the Immigration Debate," balances this request with an acknowledgment of the government's responsibility to maintain secure national borders.

Authored by Rev. Walter Kim and Bishop Brendan Cahill, the statement outlines three core principles rooted in Scripture: the inherent dignity of every person created in God's image, the protection of family units, and the proper role of government. The leaders argue that current U.S. enforcement practices, which have seen increased deportations and reduced refugee admissions over the past year, have drifted away from these foundational values.

Formed in March 2026, the Evangelical-Catholic Dialogue on Immigration seeks to bridge theological differences to address national policy. While acknowledging that their respective traditions hold distinct doctrines, the leaders emphasized a shared conviction to support both fellow citizens facing economic anxieties and immigrant neighbors navigating existential challenges.