Christian Lawmakers ask President Trump to grant Jewish Canadians refuge from antisemitism

A coalition of Christian lawmakers, religious leaders and civic figures urged President Donald Trump to establish an expedited legal pathway for Jewish Canadians seeking to relocate to the United States because of antisemitic persecution and threats to their safety. 

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The National Association of Christian Lawmakers (NACL) sent the request to Trump on Thursday, asking his administration to use existing refugee, humanitarian, and visa authorities while maintaining US security and admissibility requirements.

The letter said more than 2,000 Jewish Canadians have expressed interest in moving because of safety concerns. It cited harassment, vandalism, intimidation, threats, and violence targeting Jewish schools, synagogues, businesses, institutions, and families since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks. 

NACL asked President Trump to direct the State Department and Department of Homeland Security to develop a process for Jewish Canadian nationals and immediate family members who face persecution or can credibly demonstrate fears based on their Jewish identity or faith.

Any program should retain identity, criminal history, medical and security screening, and protect family unity, the signatories said.

Jewish, Christian leaders in Tulsa offer to assist Jewish Canadian families seeking to relocate

The group also called for cooperation with states, local governments, Jewish organizations, churches, nonprofits, and employers willing to assist arriving families.

Jewish and Christian leaders in Tulsa, Oklahoma, have offered to help resettle Jewish Canadian families, according to the letter. Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt has also told President Trump that his state would welcome Jewish families legally entering the United States. 

“For generations, America has served as a refuge for people fleeing religious persecution,” the letter said. “We urge you to ensure that, consistent with federal law and the security interests of the United States, that door remains open to our Jewish brothers and sisters in Canada who need it today.”

NACL founder and President Jason Rapert signed the letter alongside former US Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom Sam Brownback, state legislators, religious leaders, and other civic figures.

Copies were sent to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, congressional leaders, and several US senators and representatives.