Question: "What does the Bible say about illegal immigration?"
Answer: Note: We wholeheartedly believe that Christians are called to be compassionate and merciful toward immigrants (Exodus 22:21; Leviticus 19:33–34; Matthew 25:35). We also believe that the United States should have a more compassionate and merciful immigration policy. However, that is not the question at hand. The question at hand concerns illegal immigration—whether it is wrong to violate a nation’s borders and transgress its immigration laws.
Romans 13:1–7 makes it abundantly clear that God expects us to obey the laws of the government. The only exception to this is when a law of the government forces us to disobey a command of God (Acts 5:29). Illegal immigration is the breaking of a government’s law. There is nothing in Scripture that contradicts the idea of a sovereign nation having immigration laws. Therefore, it is rebellion against God to unlawfully enter another country. Illegal immigration is a sin.
Illegal immigration is definitely a controversial issue in the United States (and some other countries) today. Some argue that the immigration laws are unfair, unjust, and even discriminatory—thus giving individuals justification to immigrate illegally. However, Romans 13:1–7 does not give any permission to violate a law just because it is perceived as unjust. Again, the issue is not the fairness of a law. The only biblical reason to violate a government’s law is if that law violates God's Word. When Paul wrote the book of Romans, he was under the authority of the Roman Empire, led by Emperor Nero. Under that reign, there were many laws that were unfair, unjust, and/or blatantly evil. Still, Paul instructed Christians to submit to the government.
Are the immigration laws of the United States unfair or unjust? Some think so, but that is not the issue. All developed countries in the world have immigration laws, some more strict than the USA’s, and some less strict, and all have to deal with illegal immigration. There is nothing in the Bible to prohibit a country from having completely open borders or to have completely closed borders. Romans 13:1–7 also gives the government the authority to punish lawbreakers. Whether the punishment is imprisonment, deportation, or even something more severe, it is within the rights of the government to determine.
Illegal immigration is a complex issue. The vast majority of 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 widows is something the Bible commands us to do (Galatians 2:10; James 1:27; 2:2–15). However, the biblical 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. A frustrating law is still a law.
A WORD OF CAUTION: AS CHRISTIANS WE ARE NOT TO CONDONE THE SEPARATION OF LITTLE CHILDREN FROM THEIR PARENTS AS IT IS BEING CURRENTLY DONE UNDER THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION. WE AS CHRISTIAN AMERICANS NEED TO EXERCISE COMPASSION TO A LOST AND DYING WORLD WHILE STILL HOLDING ACCOUNTABLE THOSE THAT VIOLATE OUR IMMIGRATION LAWS; BUT NOT AT THE EXPENSE OF USING CHILDREN AS POLITICAL PAWNS! (SEE VIDEO BELOW). EVERY EMIGRANT WHO ENTERS OUR BORDERS SEEKING POLITICAL ASYLUM IS STILL ENTITLED TO DUE PROCESS. THE BURDEN OF PROOF IS STILL ON THEM .
DONALD TRUMP HAS REPEATEDLY REFERRED TO THESE ILLEGAL ALIENS AS INFESTATIONS/VERMIN'S. WHAT KIND OF A MAN LIKE MR. TRUMP WHO PROFESSES TO BE A PRACTICING CHRISTIAN DEHUMANIZES OTHER HUMAN BEINGS WHO WERE CREATED IN THE IMAGE OF GOD? THERE ARE OTHER MORE HUMANE WAYS IN DEALING WITH THIS IMMIGRATION CRISIS THEN RIPPING FAMILIES APART. IF WE AS AMERICANS THINK THAT THIS IS THE ONLY FINAL SOLUTION TO THE IMMIGRATION CRISIS IN AMERICA, THEN WE NEED TO SERIOUSLY ASK OURSELVES, WHAT KIND OF NATION HAVE WE BECOME; BECAUSE WE ARE CERTAINLY FOLLOWING IN THE SAME PATH AS HITLER'S NAZI GERMANY. THAT MEANS THAT WE ARE NO BETTER OFF THAN THE NAZI'S THIRD REICH WITH REGARD'S TO THEIR POLITICAL IDEOLOGY! THEY STARTED BY MARGINALIZING JEWS AND ULTIMATELY SENT THEM TO THEIR DEATH CAMPS.
Dear foreigner who is seeking entry into America illegally. I offer to you the following plea in the name of God: What is the biblical solution to illegal immigration? Simple—don’t do it; obey the laws of our land. If disobedience is not a biblical option, what can be done in regards to an unjust immigration law? It is completely within the rights of American citizens to seek to change immigration laws. If it is your conviction that an immigration law is unjust, do everything that is legally within your power to get the law changed: pray, petition, vote, peacefully protest, etc. As Christians, we should be the first to seek to change any law that is unjust. At the same time, we are also to demonstrate our submission to God by obeying the government He has placed in authority over us. And this applies to any immigrant seeking entry into the U.S.A. illegally.
“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. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God” (1 Peter 2:13–16).
Recommended Resources: Hard Sayings of the Bible by Kaiser, Davids, & Brauch
- More than two dozen Democratic members of Congress visited a holding facility in Texas for separated immigrant children Saturday and described conditions as "cruel and inhumane" that bring "a great shame to a great country." The delegation visited a Customs and Border Protection processing ...
Storm Warning, Updated Edition: Don McAlvany: …www.amazon.com/Storm-Warning-Updated-Edition-McAlvany/dp/B0016N2CKG
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