Last weekend, The New York Times reported that the Trump Administration is preparing to set a Fiscal Year 2026 ceiling for refugee admissions of 7,500, the lowest level in U.S. history. Reportedly, the vast majority of those few resettlement slots will be reserved for Afrikaners (from South Africa) whom the administration has described as victims of discrimination.
We urge President Trump to reconsider setting any refugee ceiling until consulting with congressional leaders and urge both the president to consider setting a resettlement goal of at least 50,000 refugees, as was the determination during his first administration in 2017.
Many refugees are our brothers and sisters in Christ, forced to flee their homes because of their faith. A record-low refugee ceiling would close the door to those seeking safety and freedom — people whom Scripture calls us to love and protect. As followers of Jesus, we are invited to pray, advocate, and use our voices on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves.
World Relief’s President & CEO Myal Greene: “At a time when there are more refugees globally than ever in recorded history, the U.S. should not step back. What’s more, a myopic focus on Afrikaners would mean that individuals who are at much greater risk — including persecuted Christians and others fleeing religious persecution, allies of the U.S. military from Afghanistan and Iraq and Ukrainians fleeing Russia’s brutal war— would be effectively abandoned.”
Women of Welcome's Director Bri Stensrud: “The current administration has said they are dedicated to defending religious freedom, and even more specifically preserving the values and principals of Christians. We are thankful for this intention. Yet the proposed action of effectively closing our most thoroughly vetted, legal, and life-saving pathway for persecuted Christians (and other religious minorities) from around the word is in complete contradiction to the moral and spiritual obligation we evangelicals have in caring for and welcoming the most vulnerable.”
We Choose Welcome's Director Tess Clarke: "This is a moment for moral courage. Prioritizing a select few while forsaking families fleeing war, persecution, and hunger betrays the heart of the gospel. Our nation’s strength and our witness grow when we choose welcome without exception."
Two actions you can take right now:
Contact your representatives and President Trump with this form below. You’ll be connected to your legislators by phone, and then directed to send an email to President Trump.
Participate in Creative Resistance - download and print out our coloring sheet, color it and/or write a message, and mail it to the White House! Instructions will be included in the email you receive after filling out the form below.
