10 reactions to Trump's border security address to the nation

Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service

In a statement, LIRS (another Christian agency authorized to resettle refugees in the U.S. that has relationships with three national Lutheran denominations) argued that Trump’s speech was “punctuated by inflammatory rhetoric and inaccurate, fear-based claims that grossly misconstrue the situation at our southern border.”

The organization believes that instead of spending 5.7 billion on a border wall, the U.S. should invest that money in “infrastructure to support the safe and expeditious processing of vulnerable individuals seeking safety in the United States.”

“People are fleeing for their lives. Instead of welcoming them to safety as we have always done, our country is turning its back,” LIRS Board Chair Bishop Michael Rinehart said in a statement. “We are called to welcome our neighbors in this great time of need. Demonizing immigrants as criminals is unconscionable. We, as people of faith, will stay true to our values—values that call for compassionate immigration reform, due process, and practical policy solutions.”