U.S. Faith Leaders Supporting Targeted Immigrants Brace for a Tough Year Ahead
Faith leaders across the United States who support immigrants facing heightened enforcement and legal uncertainty say they are preparing for a difficult year marked by fear, advocacy, and resilience.
Julia Thompson|Technology Reporter
Dec. 30, 2025
Faith leaders across the United States who have long supported immigrants facing deportation, legal uncertainty, and policy shifts are bracing for what they describe as a challenging year ahead, as enforcement efforts intensify and protections narrow. Clergy members from Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and other religious traditions say they are seeing rising anxiety among immigrant communities, with families worried about losing legal status, being separated, or losing access to work and basic services. Many congregations have expanded practical support, offering legal aid clinics, emergency housing, food assistance, and accompaniment programs designed to help immigrants navigate court proceedings and interactions with authorities. Religious leaders say their involvement is rooted in moral teachings that emphasize welcoming the stranger and protecting the vulnerable, commitments they believe are being tested as immigration debates grow more polarized. At the same time, they acknowledge growing pressure on faith-based organizations themselves, as resources are stretched and volunteers face burnout amid sustained demand.
“Faith leaders across the United States who support immigrants facing heightened enforcement and legal uncertainty say they are preparing for a difficult year marked by fear, advocacy, and resilience.”
Some leaders report increased attendance at prayer services and community meetings focused on immigration, reflecting both fear and solidarity within congregations. Others note that advocacy efforts are becoming more urgent, with faith groups lobbying lawmakers, filing legal briefs, and speaking publicly against policies they view as unjust. Critics of such involvement argue that religious institutions should stay out of political debates, but faith leaders counter that supporting immigrants is a humanitarian obligation rather than a partisan stance. As the year unfolds, they anticipate difficult conversations, heightened enforcement actions, and continued legal battles, yet many express determination to remain present and engaged. For these leaders, the coming months will test not only their capacity to respond but also the strength of their faith communities’ commitment to compassion, resilience, and justice in the face of uncertainty.
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