How Should We Protect Families Amid Changing Immigration Policies?

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We should protect families by prioritizing the preservation of the household as a divinely ordained unit, ensuring that immigration policies do not unnecessarily separate parents from children or dismantle the stability of the home, which is the foundational building block of a healthy society.

What Happened

A significant new report, titled "One Part of the Body," has been released by World Relief, the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE), and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. This report highlights a growing concern within the faith community: the impact of current and proposed immigration policies on family unity. According to the data, as many as 1.3 million people in specific "mixed-status" households are currently facing a high risk of separation due to shifting enforcement priorities and administrative changes.

The report notes that as of late 2025 and into 2026, the ripple effects of these policies are felt most acutely within the church. In fact, the study suggests that nearly 1 in 12 Christians in the United States could be directly affected by deportation or the deportation of a household member. For many, this isn't just a political debate: it’s a disruption of the family dinner table and the church pew.

The shifting landscape includes stricter enforcement measures, a reduction in refugee admissions, and a move toward rapid deportations that often bypass the traditional judicial review processes that historically allowed for family-based appeals. Evangelical leaders are warning that without a compassionate framework, the collateral damage to the American family unit could be profound and long-lasting.

Both Sides

On one side of the discussion, proponents of stricter immigration enforcement argue that the rule of law is the primary safeguard for a sovereign nation. This perspective emphasizes that a country without secure borders and consistent enforcement of its laws cannot maintain national security or economic stability. From this viewpoint, policies that prioritize deportation and border closure are necessary to deter illegal entry and ensure that those who follow the legal path to citizenship are respected and rewarded. They argue that the responsibility for family separation lies with those who bypassed legal channels, rather than the government enforcing its own statutes.

On the other side, humanitarian groups and faith leaders argue that the "sanctity of the family" should be a higher priority than administrative efficiency. They point out that a significant portion of those at risk: including many of the 1.3 million individuals identified in recent studies: have lived in the U.S. for decades, pay taxes, and are raising children who are American citizens. This perspective suggests that the human cost of tearing a father from his children or a mother from her community creates a "soul-wound" that costs the nation more in social instability and trauma than it gains in enforcement statistics. They call for "family-first" policies that allow for a pathway to legal status for those already integrated into the fabric of American life.

Why It Matters

This issue matters because the family is the heartbeat of our communities. When a family is broken, the consequences bleed into every other area of life: education, mental health, economic productivity, and church vitality. When 1.3 million people face the threat of separation, we aren't just talking about a number; we are talking about 1.3 million stories of fear, anxiety, and potential loss.

Here in the Mid-South, particularly in the Memphis area, we see this reality up close. Our region has become a home for many hard-working immigrant families who contribute to our local economy and fill our local churches. When policies shift toward broad, non-prioritized enforcement, it creates a climate of fear that keeps children away from school and parents away from work. For a region that prides itself on faith and community, the protection of the home is not just a policy preference: it is a moral imperative.

Protecting families is a proactive way to build a safer, more stable society. You can read more about how to strengthen and protect your own household in our guide on The Proven Safe Faith Home Framework.

Biblical Perspective

Through the lens of the Assemblies of God and our shared Pentecostal heritage, we believe that God established the family in the garden of Eden as the primary structure for human flourishing. Scripture is clear that "what God has joined together, let no man separate" (Matthew 19:6). While this is often applied to marriage, the principle extends to the integrity of the household.

As Christ-followers, we are called to a "theology of the stranger." In the Old Testament, God repeatedly commanded His people to care for the "sojourner" or the immigrant, reminding Israel that they, too, were once strangers in Egypt. In the New Testament, Jesus Himself was a refugee in Egypt, fleeing the violence of a state-ordered execution of children.

We also lean into the Pentecostal value of the "priesthood of all believers" and the importance of the family as the first mission field. When a family is separated, the spiritual mentorship and discipleship that happens within the home is disrupted. Our faith tells us that we must seek justice and love mercy. This means we advocate for laws that are fair and just, but we always temper that advocacy with the compassion of Christ, who saw the crowds and had "compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd" (Matthew 9:36).

Life Takeaway

How should we respond to these changing policies with peace and wisdom?

1. Prioritize People Over Politics: Before engaging in an online argument, remember that there is a real family behind every headline. Let your first reaction be one of prayer and empathy rather than partisan defense.

2. Support Local Families: If you know a family in your community or church who is navigating the stress of immigration uncertainty, offer a steady presence. Practical help: like providing a meal or offering to pray together: can be a lifeline during a hard season.

3. Advocate for Mercy: Encourage leaders to consider the "family unit" as a priority in policy decisions. We can value the rule of law while also demanding a system that honors human dignity and the sacred bond between parents and children.

4. Stay Grounded in Peace: It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the complexity of national debates. Remind yourself that God is the ultimate protector of the home. Seek His wisdom for how you can be a peacemaker in your own sphere of influence.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, confused, or emotionally drained by the news cycle: your reaction is not “weak.” It’s human. We invite you into a Jesus-centered community for spiritual family and care at BoundlessOnlineChurch.org. If you need private, personal guidance during a hard season, Dr. Layne McDonald offers Christian coaching and mentoring at LayneMcDonald.com. Stay grounded, stay hopeful, and keep pointing to Jesus.

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