The Trump administration has recently implemented policies aimed at reinforcing religious liberty across the nation. On May 1, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order establishing the Religious Liberty Commission. This commission is tasked with investigating and promoting policies that protect religious freedom in the United States. Chaired by Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, the commission includes members such as Dr. Ben Carson, Dr. Phil McGraw, and Pastor Paula White. Their mandate is to report on threats to religious liberty and celebrate America’s religious pluralism. (time.com)
In addition to the commission, the administration has rescinded a longstanding policy that previously restricted immigration enforcement in sensitive locations, including houses of worship. This change allows immigration agents to conduct operations in places of worship without prior approval from supervisors. The Department of Homeland Security stated that individuals could no longer rely on churches to avoid arrest. (reuters.com)
These policy changes have led to legal challenges from various religious organizations. More than two dozen Christian and Jewish groups have filed lawsuits arguing that the new enforcement policies infringe on their First Amendment rights and have led to decreased attendance at worship services. U.S. District Judge Dabney Friedrich ruled against these groups, determining that they lacked legal standing and that there was insufficient evidence to suggest that places of worship were being specifically targeted. (apnews.com)
The administration’s actions have also prompted responses from faith communities. A group of Quakers marched over 300 miles from New York City to Washington, D.C., in protest of the aggressive immigration policies. They aimed to show solidarity with migrant communities and delivered a copy of the 1657 “Flushing Remonstrance,” an early American document advocating for religious freedom, to symbolize their call for inclusive and humane policy. (apnews.com)
While the administration’s policies are designed to strengthen religious liberty and enforce immigration laws, they have also led to increased legal challenges and public demonstrations. The establishment of the Religious Liberty Commission and the changes in immigration enforcement policies are significant steps in the administration’s efforts to prioritize religious freedom and national security. However, the implementation of these policies has resulted in a growing bureaucracy and increased government oversight. The administration continues to navigate the complexities of enforcing these policies while addressing the concerns of various religious communities. With time and proper oversight, the system is expected to function effectively, albeit with an expansion of government staff and regulation.
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Julie Harris covers faith, family, and values-based policy. She holds a journalism degree from Hillsdale College and began her reporting career covering religious liberty cases at the state level. With a strong grounding in moral philosophy and cultural reporting, she brings depth and clarity to complex legislative debates surrounding life and faith.
Julie Harris serves as a Staff Writer for Just Right News, where she tackles some of the most pressing and complex issues facing the nation today. As the lead reporter for the Migration, Demographics & Cultural Shifts beat, Julie provides a grounded, principled perspective on how the movement of people and the changing makeup of communities are reshaping the American landscape. Her work is defined by a commitment to exploring the long-term consequences of social change, prioritizing the stability of local institutions and the preservation of national identity.
Her deep understanding of these issues is rooted in her upbringing in Tucson, Arizona. Growing up in a prominent border state, Julie witnessed firsthand the intricate realities of migration and the profound impact it has on local infrastructure, law enforcement, and the social fabric. This early exposure instilled in her a respect for the rule of law and a keen awareness of the challenges that arise when federal policies fail to align with the needs of border communities. Her reporting often reflects this lived experience, bringing a necessary level of nuance to topics that are often treated with abstraction in coastal newsrooms.
Now based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Julie continues to report from the heart of the American Southwest. Her location provides a unique vantage point to observe the intersection of traditional regional cultures and the modern shifts brought about by both internal and external migration. In Santa Fe, a city defined by its rich history and distinct cultural heritage, she finds a perfect environment to explore how communities strive to maintain their character while navigating the pressures of a rapidly changing world. This perspective allows her to bridge the gap between policy debates in Washington and the reality of life in the high desert.
At Just Right News, Julie’s work is characterized by a dedication to examining the data and the human stories that define the “New Mosaic” of America. Her signature feature series, “The New Mosaic,” has become a cornerstone of her reporting. Through this series, Julie explores the evolving social architecture of the United States, documenting how shifts in population affect everything from local economies to the political landscape. She brings a critical eye to the narrative of demographic inevitability, instead asking how these shifts impact the average citizen’s sense of belonging and the integrity of the American social contract.
Julie’s background and her dedication to conservative principles make her a vital voice in contemporary journalism. She understands that demographics are more than just numbers on a spreadsheet; they represent the future of the American family and the nation’s enduring legacy. Through her diligent reporting and insightful analysis, Julie Harris ensures that her readers are informed about the forces shaping their world, providing a perspective that is as thoughtful as it is necessary for the modern era.