The National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) is encouraged by the introduction of the Bipartisan Border Solutions Act of 2021 by Senators Cornyn and Sinema, and Representatives Cuellar and Gonzales. The bill addresses increased arrivals at the U.S. border by providing fair and timely hearings, particularly for unaccompanied children seeking protection from persecution, and serves as an important step in immigration reform.

“The Bible, as a book shaped by the immigrant experience of God’s people, calls upon Christians to advocate on behalf of those facing human rights violations globally,” said Walter Kim, NAE president. “We believe all people are made in the image of God and deserve the opportunity to thrive in a safe and secure environment. The concerning surge at the border deserves the urgent attention of our elected officials, and this piece of legislation demonstrates a good faith effort toward that end.” 

Along with Galen Carey, NAE vice president of government relations, Kim sent a letter of support to Senators Cornyn and Sinema, encouraging their bipartisan approach and commitment to build support for immigration reform. 

The U.S. asylum system has long served as a beacon of hope. However, as the global landscape changes so should the government’s agility to adequately process claims, ensuring families are not relegated to legal limbo for too long, unintentionally encouraging abuses of the system. Strengthening the system through expedited processing in a way that prioritizes service to those most in need while discouraging applications from those who do not have valid asylum claims would help reestablish the founding principles of this nation.

The Bipartisan Border Solutions Act of 2021 continues legal protections by increasing staffing and other resources, including access to counsel and translation services. As a critical piece of the immigration reform conversation, this bill presents a rare bipartisan and bicameral approach to much-needed reforms.