ATLANTA – As the mission and humanitarian aid agency of The United Methodist Church, we are deeply troubled by the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision allowing the current administration to proceed with ending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for more than 350,000 Syrian and Haitian immigrants.
The loss of TPS, a program that allows people to be protected from deportation and receive a pathway to work authorization, raises serious concerns about the treatment of immigrants who face the possibility of being returned to countries experiencing armed conflict, political instability, natural disasters, or other life-threatening conditions.
Nearly 1.3 million individuals from 17 countries currently rely on TPS protections. Many have lived and worked in the U.S. for years, raising families, contributing to their communities, and building lives rooted in hope and stability.
This action is part of a pattern of policies and decisions that increasingly diminish the place of immigrants in U.S. society, undermining their dignity, security, and sense of belonging.
While we understand the authority of the Supreme Court, as people of faith, we believe that every person is created in the image of God and has inherent worth. We reaffirm our Christian responsibility to uphold the dignity of all people.
Scripture repeatedly calls God’s people to welcome the stranger, protect the vulnerable, and seek justice for those who have been displaced. “When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born.” (Leviticus 19:33–34)
The United Methodist Church has a long history of welcoming the stranger and responding with compassion to those forced to flee violence, persecution, disaster, and instability. Through our Social Principles, we affirm the God-given dignity, worth, and rights of migrants, immigrants, and refugees.
We offer our prayers for those whose lives have been affected by this decision and we reaffirm our commitment to the support of ministries that advocate for and stand alongside migrants, immigrants, and refugees seeking safety, stability, and hope.
We call upon United Methodists to continue the transformative work of extending hospitality, justice, compassion, and accompaniment within their communities, bearing witness to God’s love for all people.
Join us with the following actions:
- Pray: Uphold the protection and well-being of immigrants in your prayers, seeking bold leadership from communities and policymakers.
- Volunteer: Connect with local organizations such as Church World Service or the Immigration Law and Justice Network to assist nearby affiliates.
- Support Projects: Apply for Mustard Seed Migration Grants of up to $2,000 to aid immigrants in your community. Learn more and apply here.
- Advocate: Contact elected officials to express your support for immigrant rights and sign up for Church World Service Action Alerts for advocacy opportunities.
- Donate: Contribute to the Global Migration Advance (#3022144) to support programs that aid migrants, immigrants and refugees. Give here.
Roland Fernandes is the general secretary of the general boards of Global Ministries and Higher Education and Ministry, and the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR).
