In response to recent immigration developments, the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, issues the following statement:
“The National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC), representing thousands of Hispanic evangelical churches across the United States, acknowledges the recent decisions of the United States Supreme Court regarding immigration policies affecting Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and other humanitarian protections.
‘As people of faith, we respect the constitutional role of the Supreme Court and the rule of law. The Court’s responsibility is to interpret the law—not to create it. While many families are understandably anxious about the implications of these decisions, they also underscore a fundamental reality: lasting immigration solutions must come from Congress.
‘For decades, our nation’s asylum and humanitarian protection systems have become increasingly overwhelmed. Temporary programs such as TPS were never intended to substitute for a comprehensive immigration policy, yet in the absence of congressional action, they have become long-term solutions to problems they were not designed to solve. This has created uncertainty for families, inconsistency in enforcement, and an immigration system that serves neither immigrants nor the American people well.
The NHCLC believes America can uphold both the rule of law and the God-given dignity of every human being. These values are not in conflict. We can secure our borders, enforce our immigration laws, and simultaneously provide orderly, compassionate, and lawful pathways for individuals and families who have contributed to our communities and churches for many years.
‘The Supreme Court’s decisions make clear that the judicial branch cannot resolve these longstanding policy questions. That responsibility belongs to Congress.
‘Therefore, we renew our call on Congress and the Administration to work together on bipartisan immigration reform that:
- Restores integrity and efficiency to the asylum system.
- Modernizes humanitarian protections, including TPS, to provide clarity and certainty where appropriate.
- Strengthens border security and the rule of law.
- Creates practical and lawful solutions for long-term residents who have demonstrated good moral character, contributed to their communities, and complied with legal requirements where possible.
- Preserves family unity while protecting America’s national interests.
‘For too long, immigration has been treated as a political issue instead of a human issue requiring principled leadership. The Hispanic evangelical community stands ready to work with leaders from both parties to pursue reforms that reflect justice, compassion, accountability, and respect for the Constitution.
‘We remain committed to advocating for policies that strengthen families, honor the dignity of every person made in the image of God, and preserve America’s longstanding tradition as a nation of both laws and opportunity.”
