Ask Congress to defend investments in refugee resettlement while urging the administration to restart fair, unbiased refugee admissions.
Since January 20, the Trump administration has resettled only a small number of refugees – a few dozen white South Africans, as well as approximately 70 refugees admitted through ongoing litigation and under waivers to the refugee ban – while stranding over 120,000 conditionally approved and vetted refugees, some of whom have been waiting for years for resettlement. At the same time, the administration has slashed funding for refugee processing, admissions, and resettlement.
The ELCA’s social message on Immigration states: “We draw on the best of our nation’s traditions as a refuge and haven for the persecuted and destitute when we affirm that ‘we support a generous policy of welcome for refugees and immigrants.’” This tradition stretches back to the years following World War II, when one out of every six Lutherans in the world was a refugee or displaced person, and Lutherans in the United States resettled tens of thousands of refugees in the United States. It continues today through the many Lutheran congregations, communities and ministries that welcome and support refugees.
As Congress debates the fiscal year 2026 (FY26) budget, ask Congress to defend federal investments in refugee processing, admissions and resettlement services. Ask your representatives to urge the administration to set a refugee admissions goal of 125,000 in FY26 and to ensure refugee admissions prioritize the most vulnerable, regardless of their country of origin, race or faith tradition.
Customize this message with your faith convictions and connections to refugee resettlement in your community. Thank you for speaking out in support of refugee resettlement! Learn more here about ELCA’s strategy to welcome, accompany and support immigrants and refugees in our communities.
[Posted: 9/18/2025]
