Pastors Back Legal Immigration, Split on Deportation Levels, Survey Finds

U.S. Protestant pastors overwhelmingly support legal immigration and favor a balanced approach to reform, while remaining divided over deportation levels.

United States Marines patrol the U.S.–Mexico border near San Diego on Jan. 20, 2026. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times

U.S. Protestant pastors overwhelmingly support legal immigration and favor a balanced approach to reform, while remaining divided over deportation levels, according to a new national survey of 667 pastors.

The study, conducted by Lifeway Research and sponsored by charity World Relief, finds strong agreement on key immigration principles but notable differences over enforcement policies and priorities.