Create pathways to citizenship
October 8, 2025
Background: Since taking office, the Trump administration has restricted and ended numerous legal immigration pathways, including asylum, humanitarian parole, and temporary protected status. Additionally, early in 2025 flights to the U.S. for vulnerable refugees were canceled. Some relatives expecting to reunite with family in the U.S. are still stranded abroad despite rigorous vetting. Hundreds of thousands of people have been affected by these changes.
Instead of restricting immigration, Congress should restore legal pathways and create new ones—smart immigration strategies can reduce irregular migration, reunite families, and provide economic opportunities. Reforms should include pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, over 80% of whom have been in the U.S. for 10 years or longer, and who are members of our communities, churches, and families.
Faith reflection: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” (Matthew 25:35-36 NIV)