Dear Reader
Chances are you opened this toolkit because you’re seeking clarity on immigration policy changes and need guidance, encouragement, or prayer during this time of heightened emotions and uncertainty. You aren’t alone — that’s why World Relief created Equipped to Act: Understanding Immigration in Uncertain Times, to help you navigate one of the most divisive political topics: immigration.
For over 80 years, World Relief has been serving refugees and other immigrants globally and in the U.S. In this toolkit you’ll find key policies to watch, important terms to know, explanations that counter common immigration myths, and practical steps you can take to advocate in your community.
Our Biblical Conviction
Jesus taught us that part of the greatest commandment is to love our neighbors as ourselves — especially the ones that are often overlooked. Jesus noticed the people that went unnoticed all the time. The Samaritan woman was shocked at Jesus’ acknowledgment of her. The bleeding woman, considered too unclean and cast away, was seen and healed. Since birth, Jesus himself faced persecution and was dependent on the goodwill of others.
Loving our neighbor means noticing those around us and stepping out of our comfort zone. Loving our neighbor also means asking hard questions about why unjust conditions persist and stewarding the influence that God has entrusted to each of us to change them.
This is what we consider biblical advocacy — leveraging our voice and our influence to encourage and persuade those in positions of governmental authority to pursue just and compassionate policies.
“But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”
Galatians 5:13
We have compelling biblical models for such advocacy before governmental authorities. Moses reluctantly followed God’s call back to Egypt to confront Pharaoh, insisting that he let God’s people go. Esther first fasted, then courageously went before King Xerxes to plead for her people, ultimately being used by God to save her people in the face of genocide. Nathan boldly and creatively confronted King David with his complicity in injustice. And John the Baptist challenged King Herod — and paid for his advocacy with his life.
God does not promise that every advocacy e ort will be successful or without cost — but he does promise to be with us and guide us as we go “before governors and kings” as a testimony to Jesus and the values of his Kingdom (Matthew 10:18-19). And he tells us that he himself will be our advocate (John 14:26, 1 John 2:1).
We are required to respond to injustices with action, love and humility. Nowhere does God say to be filled with questions or let ourselves be stopped by the what-ifs. If we trust him, a God who loves justice, then we do our part and he will complete it.
Beyond the Label
People have been migrating since the beginning of time — we can even trace numerous examples in the Bible of migration for various reasons.
Abraham and Sarah were called by God and migrated to Canaan. After a severe famine in Canaan, Jacob and his family migrated to Egypt. When Moses led the people of Israel out of Egypt after God freed them from slavery, they had to migrate to the Promised Land. And, we can’t forget about Mary and Joseph f leeing King Herod’s decree after Jesus was born by migrating to Egypt.
But the legal terms and different ways of talking about migration aren’t as timeless. There are labels thrown out in every direction, across TV ads and social media and even by politicians, so it’s no wonder we have a hard time keeping all of them straight. Below, you’ll find some of the most common key terms related to immigration, with their meaning. This is meant to serve as a point of reference for your learning as you courageously engage on the topic of immigration.
It’s important to note that these terms are just that — terms. They do not reflect the whole identity of a person. God has made each and every one of us in his image with dreams, skills, fears, hopes and a distinct purpose. In our diverse world, refugees and other immigrants are often reduced to mere labels or stereotypes overshadowing their intrinsic worth. To combat that, we have included stories about people who, for now, identify with one of these terms as part of their journey.
Our hope is that while you learn, you will be impacted by the stories of God’s beloved sons and daughters from all over the world seeking refuge.
God has made each and every one of us in his image with dreams, skills, fears, hopes and a distinct purpose.
Key Immigration Terms
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Asylum | The protection granted by a country to someone who has fled their own country because of a threat that has been verified by the government. |
| Asylum Seeker | A person who has left their country and is asking for protection in another country because they are afraid of returning home due to threats of harm or persecution and their government cannot or will not protect them. |
| Citizenship | Being a member of a country with specific rights and responsibilities. Citizens usually have the right to vote, work and live in that country, and they are also expected to follow its laws and contribute to society. |
| DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) | A program in the U.S. that provides temporary protection from deportation and work permits to some young people who were brought to the country without documentation as children. |
| Documented | Refers to people who have the legal papers (like visas or green cards) that allow them to live and work in a country. |
| Green Card (Permanent Resident Card) | An official document that lets a person live and work in the U.S. permanently as a lawful permanent resident. |
| Immigrant | A person who moves from one country to live in another country permanently. |
| Immigration Status | The legal situation or category of a person living in a country, like citizenship, permanent residency or on a temporary visa. |
| Migrant | A person who moves from one place to another (within their country or internationally), usually to find work or better living conditions. This can be either temporary or permanent. |
| Parole | Temporary permission for individuals who are ineligible for a visa to lawfully enter and stay in a country, often granted for humanitarian or national interest reasons but it doesn’t mean permanent residency. |
| Refugee | Someone who leaves their country because it’s dangerous or unsafe for them to stay, often due to war or persecution. They seek safety in another country. |
| Sponsor | A person or an organization that supports and takes responsibility for someone coming to live in a new country, helping them through the immigration process. |
| Undocumented | Refers to people who are living in a country without the legal papers or permission to stay. |
| Visa | A document or stamp on a passport that gives someone permission to enter, stay in or leave a country for a specific period and purpose, like tourism, business or study. |
| Work Permit | A document that allows a person to work legally in a country for a certain period of time. It’s often required if someone is not a citizen or a permanent resident. |
Key Policies to Watch
As we approach an upcoming change in administration, we want to share a summary of potential changes and challenges refugees and other immigrants in the United States might face in the coming months. While there have been a lot of campaign promises, there are also legal, fiscal and logistical barriers to some of what has been proposed. In reality, we do not know for sure what will happen, but our goal is to help you understand the big picture and to equip you with the information you need to advocate for our refugee and immigrant neighbors with courage, clarity and love.
- Refugee Resettlement: The Refugee Act of 1980 allows the president to set an annual cap on how many refugees the U.S. accepts. President-elect Trump has promised to significantly reduce or halt all refugee arrivals, likely via Executive Order within his first week in office. A major reduction would leave families separated, religious minorities at risk of persecution, and women and children in prolonged displacement. World Relief believes the U.S. has a moral obligation to offer refuge to those fleeing war, persecution, and poverty — and that Christians are called to put faith into action by welcoming the stranger.
- Mass Deportation: The incoming administration has promised “the largest deportation in U.S. history.” While exact numbers and timelines remain uncertain due to logistical and legal barriers, more than 11 million undocumented individuals in the U.S. could be vulnerable to removal proceedings. The scale would be unprecedented.
- Temporary Protected Status (TPS): TPS currently shields over 860,000 individuals from countries facing extreme crises like natural disasters or armed conflict. If protections are rolled back, these individuals could lose their legal ability to live and work in the U.S. Similarly, individuals who entered lawfully through parole sponsorship programs — including those from Venezuela, Cuba, Haiti, and Ukraine — could become vulnerable to deportation if the administration terminates parole, which is within their authority.
- DACA: Over half a million young people — often called Dreamers — are protected by DACA, which allows them to live, work, and study without fear of deportation. Many have only ever known the U.S. as home. President-elect Trump has indicated interest in a bipartisan legislative solution for certain Dreamers, which is encouraging, but it remains unclear whether Congress can reach consensus.
STAND IN THE GAP: GIVE, ADVOCATE, PRAY
Countering Common Myths
"Immigration is a drain on the economy."
Fact: Reality: Refugees and immigrants — both documented and undocumented — contribute more in taxes than they receive in benefits. Over a 15-year period, refugees and asylees contributed $123.8 billion to the U.S. economy. Immigrants are more likely to be active in the labor force and hold $1.6 trillion in spending power. Within 20 years of arrival, the average refugee adult has contributed approximately $21,000 more in taxes than funds spent on their behalf.
"Refugees and immigrants increase crime rates."
Fact: Reality: Refugees and immigrants, including undocumented immigrants, are less likely to commit crimes than native-born Americans. Data from Texas — the only state tracking immigration status in felony convictions — supports this. Areas with higher immigrant populations tend to have lower crime rates. While unlawful entry can be a criminal offense, unlawful presence (including visa overstays) is a civil infraction, not a crime.
"Immigrants are taking jobs away from Americans."
Fact: Reality: Immigrants often fill essential roles in industries facing labor shortages — making up 26% of agriculture workers, 15% of construction workers, and 17% of hospitality workers. Filling these shortages creates more jobs for everyone. Research from the National Bureau of Economic Research found that immigration has a small but positive effect on native-born workers’ wages overall.
"Seeking asylum at the border is illegal."
Fact: Reality: Seeking asylum is a legal right protected by both U.S. and international law. The Immigration and Nationality Act grants any person physically present in the U.S. — or arriving at the border — the right to seek asylum, regardless of how they entered the country, including crossing between official ports of entry.
"Most fentanyl in the U.S. is brought by immigrants crossing the border illegally."
Fact: Reality: The vast majority of fentanyl enters the U.S. through legal ports of entry, primarily via international mail or express shipments. In fiscal year 2023, 93% of fentanyl seized was at legal crossing points. In January 2024, that figure exceeded 95%. In fiscal year 2022, 89% of convicted fentanyl traffickers were U.S. citizens.
"Christians don't want their pastors to address immigration in church."
Fact: Reality: According to Lifeway Research, 82% of evangelical Christians would value a sermon on how biblical values apply to the U.S. immigration situation, and 70% believe Christians have a responsibility to care sacrificially for refugees and foreigners. The Bible teaches believers to love their neighbors and show hospitality to strangers — the church is precisely where Christians should engage with these issues through a biblical lens.
"Allowing immigrants into the country threatens national security."
Fact: Reality: The vast majority of immigrants come to the U.S. seeking refuge from violence, persecution, or poverty. The Cato Institute reports the chance of being killed in a terrorist attack by a foreign-born individual on U.S. soil is 1 in 3.6 million per year. Refugees and immigrants undergo extensive vetting involving multiple security checks by various government agencies before being admitted.
Practical Advocacy
So far, you’ve read why advocacy is such an important part of practicing our faith as Christians as well as important terms to know in immigration. You may also have explored the stories beyond the labels to learn how immigration impacts real people. Together, we’ve debunked the most common immigration myths that perpetuate the misinformation in the news and social media.
Now, it’s time to put that information into courageous action by practicing advocacy. Oftentimes, when we hear anything related to advocacy, it can feel overwhelming to know where to start. Or, if you’ve been an advocate for a while, you wonder what else there is you can do.
We’ve broken it down into 10 steps. Wherever you are in your journey as an advocate, our hope is that you will find these helpful in expanding your advocacy in your community.
CONSIDER YOUR PROXIMITY
First, get to know your neighbors and be around those who are in need. You have to listen and learn to see what life is like through their eyes. If you want to be an advocate, proximity is important.
RECOGNIZE YOUR BLINDSPOTS
As you get to know others in your community, you will begin to recognize your privileges, the differences in your life experiences, and any blind spots you may have about the issues you want to advocate for. Recognizing these blind spots is key to effective advocacy because it helps you see where you might need to do some more learning or shift your thinking.
PRACTICE MUTUAL HOSPITALITY
Mutual hospitality simply means being curious and understanding that welcoming and serving others is a give-and-receive opportunity. And perhaps most importantly, it’s a way of life. One of the most practical ways we can love and advocate for people is to be ready to receive them — whatever that looks like — and acknowledge their inherent dignity in Christ along the way. Build relationships with immigrant and refugee communities in your local area by listening to their stories, understanding their needs, and offering support through reciprocal hospitality.
AMPLIFY FIRST
Speak up for those whose voices are not being heard. Immigrant voices are not voiceless people, but they are often ignored, purposely quieted, or set to the side. Most of the time, people know what they need. They just need the opportunity and the space to ask for it and be heard.
PRAY
We believe in the power of prayer. Any advocacy action you take should first be rooted in prayer, trusting God for the outcomes. As you put yourself in close proximity to those in need, practice mutual hospitality, and learn to amplify their voices, you will also learn to pray for them specifically and to be intentional in those prayers.
GET IN YOUR COMMUNITY
This can look a variety of ways. You can volunteer for organizations like World Relief, which has been working with refugees and other immigrants for decades, or other non-profits in your community. You can support local businesses, attend community meetings, or join the local school board. The list could go on. Whatever you can do to become an integral part of your community will help you be an effective community advocate.
HARNESS THE POWER OF YOUR DOLLAR
Make sure the products that you buy and the places that you donate align with your values and the things that are important to you. Specifically, many immigrants and refugees are entrepreneurs and go on to start their own businesses, so be sure to support them.
TALK TO YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY
If there’s something you care about, talk to your people about it. Have conversations filled with grace, love, and truth. This is a very practical and very tangible way to practice advocacy in your everyday life. As you talk to your family and friends about the issues you care about, invite them to join you in your advocacy. There is power in our collective action, so don’t feel like you need to go at it alone.
KEEP LEARNING!
Continue learning about the issues you care about. Read books by people most closely connected to the issues. Get to know people and continue learning from their different experiences.
ENGAGE IN YOUR CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY
Last but not least, of course, is to engage in your civic responsibility. Vote in local and national elections, contact your representatives, and talk to them about the things you care about. The more you act, the easier it gets, and we must take advantage of the great privilege we have of living in a place where our voices can be heard.
Prayer Prompts
And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.
1 John 5:14-15
Prayer is worship. It is speaking with our great God in a resting place. It is also where God moves within us, prompting our hearts to beat with purpose. While facts and information fill our minds, it is the state of our hearts that concerns God the most. But sometimes it can be hard to know where to begin. Our hope is that these guided prayers help you pray through specific topics on immigration and policy to grow closer to the heart of God.
A Prayer for Proximity and Bold Service
by Rodney Greener, Volunteer at World Relief Memphis
Father,
Listen to the recording here. I praise you for this day and the opportunities that come with it to surrender my life to you and to be used by you to touch the lives of others — not in my strength, but through your power and wisdom.
As your divine plan unfolds today, grant me the boldness to share your words to transform the lives of the people around me. Give me the courage to step out of my comfort zone. Even with differences in language, customs and beliefs, please provide the understanding to bridge those differences. Keep me within a genuine desire to serve while also ready to receive from your image bearers, remembering that they also have much to give.
May anyone I meet or serve today see your heart reaching out to them in the midst of their life circumstances. Draw them to you, open their eyes to see your great love for them and may you receive all the glory.
Thank you that my life is enriched through obedience as my heart comes in line with yours, desiring that no one should perish, but that all should come to the knowledge of the truth. Thanks for this opportunity to serve you.
I pray this in Jesus’ name.
A Prayer for Seeking Truth and Discernment in Our Advocacy
by Jess Galván, Content Writer for World Relief and Advocate
God Almighty,
Your Holy Spirit fills us with the capacity to pursue justice and to declare the truth when lies surround us and our neighbors. You are a God of justice and truth. Your love for each and every one of us transcends borders, policies and misinformation. All of us are made in your image and we pray for this truth to be the strongest reminder in our hearts as we engage in a season that can stretch our understanding.
Help us lean on Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” In our pursuit of the truth, guide and direct us so that we are genuinely transformed to live out a bold love for our neighbor, the foreigner and the sojourner. Remind us that love and compassion is not a sign of weakness but of our direct resolve to be like Jesus.
Give us the courage to advocate and a rm the dignity of refugees and other immigrants fleeing the most horrifying of circumstances. Prompt us to move, rooted in a faith anchored in love. May the Holy Spirit serve as our dependable guide, showing us the way.
Amen.
A Prayer for Our Relationships and Discourse
by Kathryn Freeman, National Advocacy and Operations Specialist
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the gift of community and the di erence in creativity, knowledge and abilities that exist within our community. Lord, we are in a challenging time where difference threatens to divide us rather than unite us under a common purpose to love you and our neighbors. This divide has made it difficult to share our hearts and our struggles. But Lord, we know you are bigger and nothing will conquer your Bride — the church.
So, we pray for wisdom and discernment in our conversations about the very real issues facing our neighbors and our families. Things that seem political but have an impact on the flourishing of those around us, on their ability to work, feed their families, send their kids to school, breathe clean air, drive on safe roads and live healthy and fulfilling lives. Knowing this, we pray against the spirit of fear that would silence us when we need to be loud and the spirit of pride that keeps us from listening to others share their hearts and struggles.
We pray that in discussing the real impacts of policy decisions by our elected leaders that we would be led by the fruits of the spirit: kindness, peace, gentleness, self-control, joy, patience, and most of all, love. Love for justice, love for our neighbors and their well-being, love for the least and the lost but most of all, Lord, love for you, God.
Amen.
A Prayer for Asylum Seekers and Other Immigrants in Mexico and at the Border
by Pastora Adriana, Pastor of Church Partner in Tijuana, Mexico
Original Spanish:
Padre nuestro que estás en el cielo,
Te damos gracias por este nuevo amanecer, el cual trae nuevos retos. Rogamos por los retos de las personas en movilidad, para que encuentren a su paso, personas, iglesias y comunidades que les den un espacio para descansar, un alimento para recobrar fuerzas y una palabra de aliento, en donde sea reflejada tu paz, que sobrepasa el entendimiento.
En el nombre de Jesús.
Amén.
Translated from original Spanish:
Our Father in heaven,
We thank you for this new dawn, which brings with it new challenges. We pray for those on the move, that they may find their way, people, churches and communities that can o er them a place of rest, food to regain strength and words of encouragement, where your peace, which surpasses all understanding, may be reflected.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
A Prayer for Asylum Seekers and Immigrants at the Southern California/Mexico Border
by Rev. Liliana Reza, Director of Border Engagement
God of great mercy and love,
Be with those who find themselves on the migrant journey. We pray for unaccompanied children, families and individuals who are desperately seeking refuge and safety. For many, the journey is long and full of unknowns so we pray for courage, strength and peace.
Holy Spirit be near.
God of great mercy and love,
You are not bound by walls and borders. Grant us the courage to be the church, you have called us to be. Grant us the boldness to be a people that live generously out of kindness and compassionate hospitality. Jesus, we want to be more like you.
Holy Spirit guide us.
Amen.
This resource is produced by إغاثة العالم — a global Christian humanitarian organization. World Relief is a non-partisan organization. For more information, visit worldrelief.org.