SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - The Mormon church is calling on national leaders to support “Dreamer” immigrants who the religion says have earned the right to continue to “contribute positively” to society.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said Friday in a statement that it respects the right of nations to establish immigration laws, but called on leaders to create polices that give “hope and opportunities” for “Dreamer” immigrants. That refers to young people brought to the country as children illegally and raised here through no fault of their own.

The statement comes after President Donald Trump told journalists this week he favors a pathway to citizenship for those immigrants, embracing a notion he once specifically rejected.

The new statement aligns with the Utah-based religion’s past calls for a compassionate approach to immigration reform.

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