We are a community of Christians who believe every human being is made in God’s image and has inherent dignity. We are a community who believes that immigrants are integral members of our society and that we are better together. We recognize that too often our immigration policies are not shaped by the values that the church upholds. Scripture teaches this truth: immigrants are a blessing, not a burden. We feel called to change the conversation.

Misunderstandings about immigrants and how our immigration system works can quickly inform public policy. We need to ensure that our immigration laws are based on facts and truth, not the myth that immigrants are a burden to our economy and society.

The Immigrants Are a Blessing Not a Burden campaign empowers Christians to change the conversation about immigrants with both their churches and their members of Congress. World Renew and the Office of Social Justice of the Christian Reformed Church in North America invite you and your church to participate!

For our Fall 2020 relaunch of the “Immigrants are a Blessing, Not a Burden” (BNB) campaign, our hope is to equip the Church to talk about immigration in uniquely Christian ways. Here’s how you can join us in truth-telling about our immigrant neighbors: sign up, wise up, lift up.

Sign Up

Since the launch of the campaign in fall 2015, over 1,300 Christians from around the country signed this pledge:

Scripture teaches that immigrants are made in the image of God and that a faithful response to a stranger is to extend welcome. In the Bible, strangers are often used by God to bring blessing. I have experienced the blessing that immigrants bring to the U.S., my community, the church, and my life.



So when I hear immigrants described as burdens, I’m committed to change the conversation -- whether in my home, my church, or my congressional district. I commit to speak the truth: Immigrants are a blessing, not a burden.



I call on my congressional representative to

speak in ways that reflect the economic, social, and spiritual blessings that immigrants bring to the U.S. I will not remain silent about language that portrays immigrants as “takers,” dangerous, or burdensome to my community or to the country as a whole.

enact immigration policy that respects the dignity of immigrants, and the blessing they bring to the United States. Immigration policy must keep families together. establish a path to citizenship for those who qualify and wish to become permanent residents. adjust the number of visas given to immigrant-dependent industries. enforce laws humanely. be rooted in the truth that immigrants are a blessing, not a burden.



Join the movement! Sign the pledge and become a Blessing not Burden Partner!

Wise Up

Continue learning the truth about immigrants and immigration in the U.S. Check out our "Resources" page for the topic of immigration. (And don't miss the "Unlearn" page listed there!) See also our BNB Facebook page and immigration newsletter for updates on opportunities to educate yourself, attend virtual workshops, tune into panel discussions, and more! To find out more or connect with the OSJ immigration mobilizer in your region, email Melissa Stek at mstek@crcna.org.

Lift Up

Spread Christlike truth about immigrants in your church, community, and to your elected officials by wearing and displaying some of our BNB swag, sharing our content on social media using the hashtag #blessingnotburden, and joining us in faith-based advocacy. Sign up for our action alerts here and see our BNB Facebook page and immigration newsletter for opportunities to lift your voice for immigrant justice.