Christian Communities Rally to Support Refugees Amid Policy Changes
Last week, a Nashville clinic experienced a heartwarming scene as they welcomed two dozen refugees who arrived in vans, accompanied by their caseworkers. This compassionate initiative was part of Siloam Health’s ongoing commitment to serve families from war-torn regions such as Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Syria. The clinic staff distributed coloring books to the children and engaged with the parents through interpreters, fostering a sense of community and support.
As part of the medical screening process that refugees must undergo in their first 90 days in the United States, Siloam Health provided vital checks, exams, and vaccines. This essential care is crucial for helping these families acclimate and prepare for work or school. However, this time, Siloam’s leadership faced an unexpected challenge: a new order from the Trump administration halted refugee arrivals and paused funding for those already approved for resettlement, leaving many organizations scrambling for resources.
While the refugee resettlement program has faced cuts before, the extent of this recent change took many by surprise. Churches and ministries that have historically supported refugees are now urgently seeking private donations to fill the gaps left by the sudden drop in federal assistance. Matthew Soerens, vice president of advocacy and policy at World Relief, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “It’s always been a mix of public funds and private funds that make our settlement work. It needs to be all private at this point, and that’s a lot to cover.”
World Relief, which partners with the National Association of Evangelicals, has resettled approximately 4,000 refugees since November. In the past, agencies received about $3,000 per refugee in federal assistance to support them during their initial months in the country. This funding allowed families to start working and become self-sufficient by their fourth month. With the recent policy shift, organizations are now left to bear the full financial burden.
In response to this crisis, World Relief has received over $1 million in donations from more than 1,000 individuals in just a few weeks. However, the organization estimates it will need around $6 million to cover the shortfall for recent arrivals, prompting layoffs and budget cuts.
Faith-based organizations play a significant role in refugee resettlement. Research from Lifeway found that over 70% of evangelical Christians believe the United States has a moral responsibility to accept refugees. In Connecticut, a coalition of Protestant and Catholic churches, along with a Jewish temple, came together to donate $10,000 to the Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services (IRIS), which has faced funding challenges since the onset of the recent policy changes.
The impact of these policy shifts is deeply felt on the ground. In Virginia Beach, a megachurch had prepared to welcome a family from Afghanistan, collecting furniture and essentials, only to learn that their travel plans had been canceled. New Life Church’s mobilization coordinator, Ashley Whitlinger, expressed the frustration of having done everything possible to prepare for the family, emphasizing the challenges refugees face in restarting their lives in a new country.
As the situation unfolds, Christian communities are stepping up to provide support. In Texas, Sugar Land Baptist Church partnered with World Relief to assist a Venezuelan family, demonstrating the power of local churches to make a difference in the lives of refugees. Krista Kartson, who has firsthand experience with the refugee crisis, shared her journey of sponsoring families and the importance of community involvement in resettlement efforts.
The plight of Afghan refugees remains particularly urgent, with many still stuck in Pakistan, fleeing Taliban retribution. As churches and organizations continue to rally support, the message is clear: caring for the stranger is not just a call to action, but a fundamental aspect of Christian faith.
For more information on how to support refugee resettlement efforts, visit the World Relief website or check out Lifeway Research for insights on the role of faith in immigration issues. Together, we can make a significant impact in the lives of those seeking refuge and hope in a new land.