Faith leaders from across the United States 🇺🇸 gathered in major cities this summer for a series of interfaith meetings on immigration reform, responding to sweeping policy changes under the Trump administration and new bills in Congress. These meetings, held in places like Washington, D.C., New York, and Los Angeles, brought together Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, Buddhist, and other religious leaders to call for humane immigration policies and to support vulnerable communities.
The surge in interfaith advocacy began in June and July 2025, after the Trump administration issued executive orders to close the southern border, restrict asylum, and roll back protections for groups like DACA recipients and TPS holders. At the same time, Congress introduced major bills, including the Dignity Act of 2025 (H.R. 4393) and the “One Big Beautiful Bill” (H.R. 1), which aim to overhaul the immigration system. Faith-based coalitions quickly organized public forums, prayer vigils, and direct meetings with lawmakers to push for reforms that protect families and uphold human dignity.
Key Events and Stakeholders
In July 2025, high-profile interfaith summits took place in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, and New York. Leaders from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, National Council of Churches, Islamic Society of North America, and HIAS (a Jewish refugee agency) joined forces. They focused on advocating for the Dignity Act, protesting the rollback of protections for asylum seekers, and supporting DACA and TPS recipients.
Surge in interfaith advocacy begins
High-profile interfaith summits in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, and New York
Dignity Act of 2025 introduced
Trump administration issues executive orders affecting immigration
Senator Padilla introduces bill to reduce residency requirement for green cards
During these gatherings, Bishop Mark Seitz from the Catholic Diocese of El Paso called for “urgent moral leadership” and spoke out against policies that “criminalize the vulnerable and separate families.” Rabbi Jill Jacobs of T’ruah highlighted the Jewish tradition of welcoming strangers and criticized the removal of humanitarian relief programs. Imam Mohamed Magid from the ADAMS Center urged Congress to “protect the dignity of all immigrants,” noting that enforcement actions often hit Muslim and African communities the hardest.
Policy Focus and Demands
The interfaith meeting participants outlined clear demands for lawmakers and the administration:
- Immediate protection for DACA and TPS recipients: These groups include young people brought to the United States 🇺🇸 as children and people from countries facing crises. Faith leaders say they deserve stability and a path to legal status.
- Humane asylum procedures and opposition to border closures: Many religious groups argue that closing the border and making it harder to seek asylum puts lives at risk and goes against moral values.
- Reduction of visa backlogs and support for family reunification: Long waits for visas keep families apart for years. Faith-based advocates want Congress to speed up these processes.
- Opposition to expanded expedited removal and enforcement in sensitive locations: Leaders strongly oppose immigration enforcement actions in places like churches, hospitals, and schools, saying these spaces should be safe for everyone.
Background and Context
Faith-based groups have a long history of involvement in immigration reform. They have provided sanctuary, legal help, and moral support for immigrants, especially when policies become more restrictive. Their influence has grown as immigration debates have become more heated and as executive actions have sometimes bypassed Congress.
In 2025, the Trump administration’s actions have included closing the southern border, restricting asylum, and rescinding protections put in place by President Biden. Project 2025 proposals aim to eliminate programs like DACA, TPS, and the Diversity Visa, while expanding fast-track deportations and involving local police in immigration enforcement. Some of these executive orders are currently blocked by federal courts, but the situation remains uncertain.
Congress is also considering several bills. The Dignity Act of 2025 offers a bipartisan path to legal status for some undocumented immigrants, reforms the asylum system, and aims to clear visa backlogs. Senator Padilla has introduced a bill to reduce the residency requirement for green cards from 10 to 7 years, with special waivers for families facing hardship.
Practical Implications for Communities
These policy changes have real effects on immigrant communities. Many people now fear raids and enforcement actions, especially in sensitive locations. Some families avoid schools, hospitals, and even places of worship, worried about being detained or deported. In response, faith-based organizations have increased their legal clinics, sanctuary programs, and emergency aid for those at risk.
Interfaith meetings have also produced joint statements, open letters to Congress, and coordinated lobbying days. These efforts aim to educate the public, urge lawmakers to adopt humane reforms, and protect the most vulnerable.
Different Perspectives and Legal Challenges
Supporters of stricter immigration policies argue that stronger enforcement and border controls are needed for national security and economic reasons. They believe these measures protect jobs and keep the country safe.
On the other hand, faith and human rights advocates say that harsh policies break up families, violate moral and legal duties to refugees, and erode trust in public institutions. Legal experts point out that ongoing court cases may delay or block some executive actions, and that finding compromise in Congress is difficult but still possible.
Future Outlook
Faith-based coalitions plan to keep up their advocacy through more interfaith meetings, public campaigns, and direct talks with lawmakers and the administration. The fate of the Dignity Act, Padilla’s registry reform, and other bills remains uncertain, as bipartisan negotiations continue without a clear outcome. If Congress cannot pass new laws, the administration may issue more executive orders, which could lead to further legal battles and advocacy responses.
Resources and Practical Steps
For those seeking help or wanting to get involved, several organizations offer support and information:
- U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Migration and Refugee Services: (202) 541-3000
- HIAS (Jewish refugee agency): (212) 967-4100
- National Immigration Forum: (202) 347-0040
- Interfaith Immigration Coalition: www.interfaithimmigration.org
To track the progress of the Dignity Act of 2025 (H.R. 4393) and other bills, visit the official U.S. Congress bill tracker.
Summary Table: Major 2025 Interfaith Immigration Reform Meetings
| Date | Location | Key Participants | Main Issues Addressed |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 2025 | Washington, D.C. | Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, Protestant | Dignity Act, DACA, asylum, family reunification |
| July 2025 | Los Angeles | Sikh, Buddhist, Evangelical, Latino | Border closures, expedited removal, TPS |
| June–July 2025 | Nationwide (virtual/in-person) | Interfaith Immigration Coalition | Prayer vigils, advocacy for humane reform |
| Feature | Meeting 1 | Meeting 2 | Meeting 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Date | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Location | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Key Participants | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Main Issues Addressed | N/A | N/A | N/A |
As reported by VisaVerge.com, interfaith meetings on immigration reform in 2025 have become a driving force in shaping public debate and supporting those most affected by policy changes. These gatherings show the power of faith communities to unite across differences and push for solutions that respect human dignity and family unity. For immigrants, families, and advocates, staying informed and connected to these coalitions offers hope and practical support during uncertain times.
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