Trump Backs Christian-Led Initiative for Expedited U.S. Entry for Canadian Jews Facing Antisemitism

President Donald Trump has signaled support for a Christian-backed proposal that would establish accelerated legal channels allowing Jewish Canadians to relocate to the United States amid escalating antisemitic threats. Trump promoted the initiative Sunday on Truth Social, reaching millions of followers as religious leaders and Christian lawmakers urge his administration to respond to what they describe as disproportionately high rates of antisemitic incidents across Canada.

The National Association of Christian Lawmakers, led by founder and President Jason Rapert, has formally requested that the State Department and Department of Homeland Security develop “lawful, secure, and appropriately expedited pathways” for Jewish Canadians and their immediate families who face persecution or credibly fear for their safety based on their religious identity. The proposal would leverage existing refugee, humanitarian and visa authorities to facilitate relocation.

Rapert and former U.S. ambassador-at-large for International Religious Freedom Sam Brownback submitted a letter Thursday to Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and congressional leaders, signed by more than 50 state legislators, religious leaders and civic figures. The correspondence emphasized America’s historical role as a haven for those fleeing religious persecution and urged the administration to keep that door open for vulnerable Canadian Jews.

Recent data cited by the group reveals stark disparities between the two nations. Canada, with approximately 41 million residents, has recorded nearly 7,000 antisemitic incidents, while the United States, with over 342 million people, has documented fewer than 6,300 such incidents. More than two-thirds of religion-motivated hate crimes in Canada targeted Jewish residents despite Jews comprising only about 1% of the population.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney acknowledged the severity of the crisis in June, stating that “Canada’s civic compact is failing Jewish Canadians” and describing antisemitism levels not witnessed since World War II’s aftermath. Carney pointed to a pattern including gunfire at Jewish schools, synagogue firebombings, attacks on community centers and Jewish-owned businesses, and harassment of Jewish students on university campuses.

Over 2,000 Jewish Canadians have expressed interest in relocating to the United States, driven by safety concerns and incidents of harassment, vandalism, intimidation, threats and violence escalating since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel. Oklahoma has emerged as a potential destination, with Jewish and Christian leaders in Tulsa offering assistance to incoming families, while Gov. Kevin Stitt pledged that the state would welcome legally admitted Jewish residents.

Rapert stressed the moral imperative for Christian communities to support persecuted Jews. “Antisemitism is a moral evil, and Christians must be willing to stand with our Jewish friends when they face hatred and persecution,” he stated, urging Trump’s administration to pursue lawful measures to assist Canadian Jewish families genuinely concerned for their safety and religious liberty.