Mechanicsburg, PA | July 16, 2025
Messiah University has joined a coalition of evangelical institutions urging Congress to pass the Dignity Act, a bipartisan immigration bill that seeks to offer undocumented immigrants a humane, restitution-based path to legal status and eventual citizenship.
This summary was compiled by Christian Dispatch from reporting originally published by Ivey DeJesus at PennLive.com.
The Mechanicsburg-based Christian university is part of a broader evangelical effort to support legislation that provides an alternative to family separation and prolonged detention. The Dignity Act, co-sponsored by Representatives Maria Salazar (R-FL) and Veronica Escobar (D-TX), would create a legal process for immigrants to earn permanent status by meeting strict conditions, including background checks and financial penalties.
“As Christians committed to the rule of law, rooted in the biblical conviction that God has ordained the government to restrain evil and ensure order, we believe the Dignity Act offers necessary reforms,” stated a letter signed by various evangelical groups and institutions.
Messiah University is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU), which co-signed the letter representing more than 170 Christian schools. CCCU President David Hoag highlighted the importance of protections for Dreamers—those brought to the U.S. as children—calling the provision a vital step for young people shaped by Christian campuses and churches.
Polls cited in the letter show that while most evangelicals support border security, many also favor pathways to legal status. Research by Lifeway found that only 17% of evangelicals support deporting immigrants who are willing to pay restitution for entering the U.S. unlawfully.
The Dignity Act’s penalty system is designed to fund billions in proposed border security upgrades—without adding to the national deficit. The bill also aims to address long-standing enforcement concerns while balancing compassion and legal accountability.
“Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt.” – Exodus 22:21
Faith leaders behind the letter say the bill reflects a biblically grounded balance of justice and mercy—a model they argue is more faithful than harsh, punitive immigration crackdowns.
Story by Ivey DeJesus, originally published on PennLive.com. Summarized by Christian Dispatch.