Open Doors US and World Relief Highlight Need for Biden-Harris Immigration Policies to Protect those Fleeing Religious Persecution
Recent Executive Actions Reduce Border Crossings but Risk Excluding those Seeking Religious Freedom
BALTIMORE, MD, October 8, 2024 — Open Doors US (ODUS) and World Relief (WR), two international ministries serving people fleeing religious persecution, are calling attention to critical gaps in the U.S. asylum system in their new "State of the Golden Door” Report. Releasing on October 14, 2024, the Report examines current immigration policies under the Biden-Harris administration and highlights the impact on persecuted Christians and other religious minorities seeking asylum or refugee status in the United States. A media event will be held via Zoom on October 14 at 1:00 PM EDT featuring expert analysis and key findings.
While recent U.S. efforts have resettled an increasing number of religious refugees, ODUS and WR emphasize that there is still significant room for improvement. In particular, the two organizations express concern over a June 2024 executive action, expanded upon on September 30, that presumes most individuals crossing the U.S.-Mexico border unlawfully are ineligible for asylum, with very limited exceptions. This policy has helped to reduce the historic surge in illegal border crossings, but it also risks excluding Christian refugees and others fleeing religious persecution.
"At a time when Christians and other religious minorities are facing severe persecution, the U.S. must ensure that it remains a safe haven for those with legitimate asylum claims," said Ryan Brown, president and CEO of Open Doors US. "We understand and support the need for securing our borders, but we cannot sacrifice due process for those whose lives are in danger simply because they seek to live out their faith. Nor can we forget to faithfully pray and advocate for our brothers and sisters living in harm’s way."
WR and ODUS chose ‘State of the Golden Door’ as the new title for their annual analysis of the impact of U.S. immigration policy on those fleeing religious persecution. The name references the Emma Lazarus sonnet “The New Colossus” depicted at the Statue of Liberty, which characterizes the United States as a land of opportunity and refuge. The new title better reflects a shift towards balancing border security with the protection and accommodation of those fleeing religious persecution.
The 2024 report sheds light on the dire circumstances facing asylum seekers, including those persecuted for their Christian faith who are stranded in Mexico. Many are stuck in shelters, often run by resource-limited local churches, waiting months for an opportunity to seek asylum through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's CBP One app. These refugees, fleeing persecution for their faith, face high rates of violence, extortion and kidnapping, especially women and children.
"Congress must address both the security and humanitarian challenges at the border, but our commitment to protecting those with well-founded fears of persecution must remain non-negotiable," said Myal Greene, president and CEO of World Relief. "As a nation, we cannot turn our backs on those seeking refuge from religious oppression. The price of inaction is far too high."
The report, co-authored by Open Doors US and World Relief, urges the Biden-Harris administration, Congress and the next presidential administration to strengthen protections for religious refugees while maintaining the integrity of U.S. borders. By providing faster, fairer access to asylum for those with legitimate claims, the U.S. can remain a source of hope for those escaping religious persecution.
Media Event Details
The full "State of the Golden Door" report will be released via a Zoom media event on October 14, 2024, at 1:00 PM EDT. Members of the media are encouraged to attend for a detailed presentation of the report’s findings and insights from leaders at Open Doors US and World Relief.
Media interested in attending the event should register in advance here.
About Open Doors US
For more than 60 years, Open Doors US has worked in the world’s most oppressive and restrictive countries for Christians. Open Doors US works to equip and encourage Christians living in dangerous circumstances with the threat of persecution and equips the Western church to advocate for the persecuted. Christians are one of the most persecuted religious groups in the world and are oppressed in at least 60 countries. For more information, visit OpendoorsUS.org.
About World Relief
World Relief is a global Christian humanitarian organization whose mission is to boldly engage the world’s greatest crises in partnership with the church. The organization was founded in the aftermath of World War II to respond to the urgent humanitarian needs of war-torn Europe. Since then, for 80 years, across 100 countries, World Relief has partnered with local churches and communities to develop sustainable, locally-driven solutions to some of the world’s greatest problems. To learn more, visit worldrelief.org
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Media Contact:
Melany Ethridge
melany@alarryross.com
214-912-8934