What makes someone truly American? A group of researchers at Pew recently asked 1,003 U.S. adults that exact question.

Results were varied, but notably, 32 percent said “being a Christian” makes an individual American. According to FiveThirtyEight, “Americans consider religion a more significant part of national identity than most other countries surveyed by Pew. The survey found 32 percent of Americans felt that it was very important to be a Christian to be considered truly American. Only two other nations in the 14-nation survey, Greece and Poland, felt more strongly than the U.S. about religion as a necessary aspect of identity.”

Beyond being a Christian, 70 percent of U.S. adults said “being able to speak English” makes one American; 45 percent say “Sharing American customs and traditions” is the key; while 32 percent say “having been born in the U.S.” confirms one’s national identity. Considering these statistics, a recent influx of immigrants and refugees are seen by many as “not American.”

As the Church, it is our responsibility to love others, and given the opportunity, welcome these immigrants as citizens into the Kingdom of Heaven. As George O. Wood reminds us, “Our fundamental task is to reach people for Jesus — whether they are legal or undocumented, whether they are citizens or refugees.”