Dear Republicans, if you want to win, stop abandoning Christians.
“…They’re eating the dogs…they’re eating the cats…they’re eating the pets…” These words were heard by millions of American ears on September 10, 2024. These words slandered and maligned Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, and sent them a clear message: you’re not welcome here. Now this isn’t the first time Donald Trump has done this, especially not during his 2024 campaign, his rhetoric about immigration has been uniquely divisive, exclusionary and downright nasty. This rhetoric, however, flies in the face of the values of his most loyal supporters: Evangelical Christians.
In 2016 and 2020, Donald Trump had the vast majority of the Evangelical Christian vote. According to Pew Research data, over 80% of Evangelicals cast their votes for Donald Trump. At this point, in American politics, it seems like the word “Evangelical” is synonymous with “Trump supporter”. At the same time, however, Evangelical Christians express more humane views on immigration than what are being espoused by the modern Republican party. In fact, a report from Lifeway Research, a Christian research group, states that “91% (of Evangelicals) support potential immigration legislation that respects the God-given dignity of every person.” Does Donald Trump’s portrayal of immigrants as criminals and invaders really honor the “God-given dignity of every person”?
This rhetoric and policy from the Trump campaign go entirely against the values that most Evangelicals espouse. Some may say that Republicans represent Evangelical values on abortion, gay marriage, and other social issues, but the evidence is clear that the Trump campaign is turning away from these issues, leaving a wide gap between Evangelical morality and Trumpian politics.
Not only is this rhetoric turning away current voters, but it is also turning away chances to expand the republican voter base with our immigrant population. One report finds that many immigrant demographics in the United States (particularly Hispanic, Black, and young immigrants) are becoming born-again Christians at high rates and are more supportive of socially conservative causes than many native-born Americans.
The post-Roe Republican Party’s focus on exclusive rhetoric on immigration is turning them away from great opportunities to recruit the voters who share their purported values. It’s hard to get the immigrant vote if you say they’re not welcome here!
Overall, the Republican party this election cycle has put exclusion over the values and the individuals that have supported their party and are neglecting opportunities to expand its base. If these decisions cost Republicans Congress and the presidency, it’s ultimately their own fault.
Sincerely, Nathan Rateau