The Church and the Huddled Masses

The full range of attitudes toward immigration has been represented within American churches, as well, particularly among evangelical Christians for whom—throughout much of American history—the arrival of immigrants has meant an increasing number of people of other religious traditions. Some saw the arrivals as an evangelistic opportunity. Others saw a threat to Protestant Christianity’s status as the country’s dominant religious tradition. At times, evangelical Christians have stood heroically for immigrants; in other moments, however, they have led the anti-immigrant charge.