What does the Bible say about illegal immigration?
The issue of illegal immigration is complex, with reasonable arguments on both sides. A balanced Christian perspective seeks to uphold both justice and compassion. The Bible does not directly address the issue of illegal immigration, but it does provide principles that can guide believers in thinking about this issue.
Laws Exist for a Reason
The Bible makes clear that God instituted governing authorities for the purpose of order, justice and protection (Romans 13:1-7). While Christians may advocate for just changes in immigration policy, the Bible does not support open defiance of immigration laws. However, it also does not condone cruel or inhumane treatment of illegal immigrants. Christians should promote fair and just enforcement of immigration laws.
Compassion for the Foreigner
The Bible frequently commands care and compassion for foreigners and sojourners in the land (Exodus 22:21, Leviticus 19:33-34, Deuteronomy 10:18-19). Israel’s history as oppressed slaves and aliens in Egypt was to motivate them to love foreigners in their midst. The New Testament likewise instructs Christians to show hospitality and care to those from other nations (Hebrews 13:2, 1 Peter 4:9). However, this does not necessarily translate into permission for unchecked illegal immigration.
Opportunity to Do Good
Illegal immigrants are extremely vulnerable to injustice and exploitation. As Christians, we are called to “do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10). Protecting the weak is a fundamental Christian duty. We must ensure illegal immigrants are treated with the dignity and justice God desires for all people created in His image.
A Balanced Response
Illegal immigration is against the laws of our land. However, it creates opportunities for Christians to show the love of Christ in tangible ways. We can advocate for more just immigration policies. We can call for compassionate treatment of illegal immigrants. We can protect them from abuse and exploitation. In it all, we must show the character of Christ, full of both grace and truth.
The Bible on Obeying the Law
The Bible clearly emphasizes the importance of obeying governing authorities and laws. Here are some relevant verses:
– “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” (Romans 13:1)
– “Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good.” (1 Peter 2:13-14)
– “Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work.” (Titus 3:1)
– “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority.” (1 Peter 2:13)
The Bible calls Christians to obey the law and honor civil authorities unless they directly contradict God’s commands (Acts 5:29). Illegal immigration clearly violates the laws of the land. While Christians may advocate for changes in those laws, they are still called to honor them.
Old Testament Laws on Foreigners
While not directly applicable today, Old Testament instructions on how Israel was to treat foreigners in the land provide principles of compassion that should guide believers:
– “You shall not oppress a sojourner. You know the heart of a sojourner, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt.” (Exodus 23:9)
– “When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.” (Leviticus 19:33-34)
– “He administers justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing. Love the sojourner, therefore, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt.” (Deuteronomy 10:18-19)
Israel was to treat foreigners and migrants with love and compassion because of remembering their own oppressed status in Egypt. This principle should motivate care for those seeking refuge, even illegally, today. However, this does not mean blanket approval of illegal immigration.
New Testament Teachings on Serving Others
Jesus taught that loving others is second only in importance to loving God (Matthew 22:36-40). He exhorted his followers to show generosity and care to those in need:
– “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” (Matthew 25:35)
– “As we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:10)
The apostles instructed believers to practice hospitality:
– “Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.” (1 Peter 4:9)
– “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” (Hebrews 13:2)
Christians have a duty to serve those in need, including foreigners and strangers. However, the Bible does not teach this is an open invitation for unchecked illegal immigration.
Seeking Justice and Loving Mercy
God calls his people to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly:
“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8)
“Thus says the Lord: Do justice and righteousness, and deliver from the hand of the oppressor him who has been robbed. And do no wrong or violence to the resident alien, the fatherless, and the widow, nor shed innocent blood in this place.” (Jeremiah 22:3)
Any solution to illegal immigration must uphold justice for citizens and mercy for immigrants. We should promote secure borders and lawful immigration while also treating illegal immigrants with compassion. Neither anger and fear, nor blanket amnesty, honor God’s call.
Effects of Illegal Immigration
Illegal immigration impacts both immigrants and citizens. Here are some key effects according to research:
Positive:
– Provides opportunities for impoverished immigrants to improve living conditions
– Meets US employer demands for low-cost labor
– Reduces costs for US businesses and consumers
– Contributes to economic growth, at least in short term
– Boosts revenue from taxes on income and spending
Negative:
– Can displace some low-skilled American workers
– Puts downward pressure on wages for low-skilled jobs
– Strains government budgets due to increased demand for services
– Increases budget deficits and debt
– Contributes to overcrowding in schools, hospitals, and prisons
– Can increase crime rates in some areas
There are reasonable arguments on both sides of this issue. A balanced perspective considers the needs of citizens and immigrants alike.
Biblical Principles on Immigration
While the Bible does not directly address illegal immigration, it provides principles that should guide the Christian perspective:
1. God instituted government and laws for our good (Romans 13:1-7). Christians should promote compliance with just laws.
2. We should show compassion for foreigners (Exodus 22:21, Hebrews 13:2). But this does not mean ignoring immigration laws.
3. We must seek justice for citizens and mercy for immigrants (Micah 6:8). Balanced solutions uphold the interests of both groups.
4. We have a duty to protect the vulnerable (Galatians 6:10). Immigration policies should defend the rights of immigrants.
5. We are called to do good to all people (Galatians 6:10). This includes finding constructive solutions to illegal immigration.
A Christian response to illegal immigration will apply biblical teachings on government, justice, mercy, and human dignity to an often divisive political issue. We should advocate for solutions that show respect for the law and love for all people.
Applying Biblical Principles
The Bible does not offer direct guidance for national immigration policy. However, the following guidelines flow from biblical values of justice, compassion, and the rule of law:
1. Immigration laws should uphold national security, public safety, and order. Citizens have a right to expect their government will secure borders.
2. At the same time, immigration enforcement must protect basic due process and human rights. Immigrants, legal or not, bear God’s image. They should not be mistreated.
3. Immigration policy should balance competing interests. The needs of citizens for jobs and security should be honored, as well as immigrants’ needs for opportunity and refuge.
4. Pathways should exist for lawful immigration. The government should facilitate immigration and naturalization based on reasonable regulations.
5. There should also be a process for certain illegal immigrants to earn legal status, especially those brought to the U.S. unlawfully as children. Requirements such as paying fines, taxes, learning English, and meeting other conditions seem appropriate.
6. Securing the border does not necessarily require a physical wall or fence. Some combination of physical barriers, surveillance technology, and enforcement personnel is likely most effective and ethical.
7. Churches and ministries should provide spiritual care and basic services to immigrants. The government need not criminalize this humanitarian work so long as laws are still upheld.
8. Believers should promote civil discussion on this issue. We should avoid both angry rhetoric and blanket amnesty proposals. Instead we must seek solutions that balance justice and mercy.
What the Gospel Requires
Jesus commands his followers to love their neighbor (Luke 10:27). He tells a powerful story equating care for strangers with care for Him (Matthew 25:31-46). Such love forbids injustice against immigrants, regardless of legal status. Believers do not have the option to ignore or mistreat foreigners in our land.
At the same time, Christians are called to model exemplary citizenship (Romans 13:1-7). Respect for governing authorities implies working within legal frameworks for reform rather than ignoring laws for expediency.
The gospel calls the church to minister to immigrants in need (Matthew 25:31-46, Hebrews 13:2). Providing food, shelter, legal aid, language classes, and spiritual support are ways to show Christ’s love. Advocating against exploitation and abuse is also central to a Christian response.
No political solution can fully reconcile the complex factors involved with illegal immigration. But the gospel provides moral guidance. Christians should call for immigration policies that uphold justice, show mercy, defend human dignity, and restore fractured relationships. Our model is Christ who embodied both truth and grace.
Conclusion
The Bible does not offer direct prescriptions for modern immigration policy. However, its teachings provide moral principles that should guide the Christian perspective. As citizens of heaven and earth (Philippians 3:20), we have responsibilities to both. Seeking justice for fellow citizens and showing mercy to immigrants, even if they are unlawful, honors the biblical commands to obey governing authorities, love our neighbors, and protect the vulnerable. Advocating for solutions that serve everyone’s interests best reflects the heart of God revealed in Scripture. By following biblical principles, we can engage this difficult issue in a way that upholds the rule of law yet also shows compassion. Most importantly, we must reflect God’s own love and justice to a world torn by political divisions.
