The world is suffering through the largest human migration crisis in recorded history. By the end of 2024, over 123 million people were living as forcibly displaced people due primarily to war and persecution — a staggering increase from about 10 million in the 1980s. Countless others are leaving severely impoverished communities in search of a place where they can find dignified work to support their families. More than ever, people are desperate for peaceful living conditions and the chance to thrive.

The United States, long a beacon of liberty and opportunity for immigrants, is today embroiled in fierce debates about how and whether our nation should address this global migration crisis.

As evangelical Christian leaders who work and minister alongside many recent migrants, we believe our nation’s immigration policies should reflect our shared values of justice, compassion, hospitality, religious liberty and the rule of law. These values — thoroughly rooted in the Christian scriptures — are also deeply resonant with the best moral impulses of our national heritage.

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Joel Kersey

Joel Kersey, NAE south central regional representative, works to support advocacy efforts that align with the key principles of the NAE document, “For the Health of the Nation.” He unites people to advocate for a country that displays God’s care for humanity in all areas of society. Kersey has served in both pastoral ministry and as a teacher in Christian education at the high school and college level. He currently serves on the teaching/preaching team of his church. He completed his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Sacramento State University and a M.Div. degree from Multnomah Biblical Seminary.

John-Mark Hart

John-Mark Hart is the lead pastor of Redemption Church in Oklahoma City, an inner-city congregation that integrates evangelism and discipleship with a holistic vision of Christian community development. Hart is passionate about training spiritually mature Christian leaders who love Jesus and the Church. He frequently teaches and writes about the intersection of theology and contemporary cultural issues.