The Bible and the Immigrant
The Bible is clear concerning the issue of immigrants and their treatment. Regardless of the immigrant’s status, he or she is deserving of dignity, respect, and compassion, as an image-bearer of God. Deuteronomy 10:17-19 shows that God wants us, His people, to be people of justice and mercy. Moreover, we are to be hospitable to our immigrant neighbors.
Yet, as Romans 13:1-5 reveals, we are to be subject to the governing authorities. As these authorities establish laws concerning their borders, these laws should be respected. In short, the call for solid and functional borders should not be viewed as a violation of God’s Word. Indeed, we demonstrate our submission to God by obeying the government He has placed in authority over us.
Recently, the issue of illegal immigration has been a subject of national concern, particularly in the United States. Estimates have ranged from 13 million to over 25 million illegal immigrants who entered the country, during the last four years. Most of them have been unvetted and, in many cases, found guilty of heinous crimes. Among these crimes were drug and sex trafficking, murders, child molestation, and rapes. This in no way suggests all immigrants are to be placed in the categories such as these. Yet, it points to one of the problems of illegal immigration.
A fundamental issue point is that entering a country in a manner not prescribed by law makes one a criminal offender. Despite the attempts of some people refer to them as “undocumented immigrants,” to soften or ignore the legal reality. The truth remains that these actions were “illegal.”
Another essential concern is the issue of fairness to the millions of persons who are seeking to enter the United States through legal means. For many the injustice of by-passing people who were already in the line was unbearable. Many of these legal immigrants had waited for quite a long time, and their plights were just as grueling as those who chose to move through the route of illegality.
There is no doubt that many, if not most, illegal immigrants in the United States have come for the purpose of having a better life, providing for their families, and escaping poverty. These are good goals and motivations. However, it is not biblical to violate a law to achieve a “good.” Caring for the poor, orphans, and the widows is something the Bible commands us to do (Galatians 2:10; James 1:27; 2:2–15).
The fact that we are to care for the unfortunate does not mean we should violate the law in doing so. Supporting, enabling, and/or encouraging illegal immigration is, therefore, a violation of God’s Word. Those seeking to emigrate to another country should always obey the immigration laws of that country. While this may cause delays and frustrations, it is better than acting illegally.
Also, laws should not be thwarted, despite the focus of some on the compassionate element that they advocate and support. Those citizens who feel that the immigration laws are unfair should use the legal process to change the laws. This is through the legislature and the legislative process, which should reflect the positions of the majority in a democratic process. (Although they can be temporarily circumvented through executive or judicial actions, the long-term solutions are best achieved through the legislative process).
As God’s people, we should treat the illegal immigrant with love, respect, compassion recognizing their common humanity. In no way, should we encourage or facilitate their continued violations of the law. Submission to the authorities may even mean cooperating with law enforcement to help illegal immigrants move into legal compliance. God wants us to be loving and compassionate to all immigrants but also obedient and submissive to our governing authorities.
May God grant us wisdom to lovingly and faithfully responding to these critical concerns!
