Immigration is one of the most pressing and divisive issues in our world today. Some believe that undocumented immigrants place an overwhelming burden on national resources, while others argue that these individuals are fleeing violence and oppression, seeking a better life and contributing to society. Within the church, opinions are equally divided, with Christians passionately debating how to respond to this complex issue.
But what if we put aside our political views for a moment and asked a different question: What does the Bible say about immigration? How would Jesus respond to the struggles of immigrants today?
The Bible’s Clear Call to Love and Justice for Immigrants
The Scriptures are not silent on this topic. In fact, God’s concern for the foreigner is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. Here are just a few examples:
- Exodus 22:21 – “You must not mistreat or oppress foreigners in any way.”
- Deuteronomy 24:17 – “True justice must be given to foreigners living among you and to orphans.”
- Zechariah 7:9-10 – “Judge fairly, and show mercy and kindness to one another. Do not oppress widows, orphans, foreigners, and the poor.”
Over and over again, God commands His people to treat immigrants with justice, mercy, and love. This biblical justice is not about punishment—it is about caring for and elevating the oppressed and marginalized.
Justice Means Provision
God’s vision of justice extends beyond kindness—it includes tangible provision for immigrants:
- Leviticus 23:22 – “When you harvest the crops of your land, do not harvest the grain along the edges of your fields. Leave it for the poor and the foreigners living among you.”
- Deuteronomy 10:18-19 – “God ensures that orphans and widows receive justice. He shows love to the foreigners living among you and gives them food and clothing. So you, too, must show love to foreigners, for you yourselves were once foreigners.”
This radical generosity reflects the heart of God. Foreigners were not just to be tolerated; they were to be embraced and provided for as if they were family.
God’s Judgment on Those Who Oppress Immigrants
Scripture also warns against those who mistreat or reject foreigners:
- Malachi 3:5 – “I will speak against those who deprive foreigners of justice, for these people do not fear me.”
- Psalm 94:20-21 – “Can unjust leaders claim that God is on their side—leaders whose decrees permit injustice? They crush your people, Lord, hurting those you claim as your own.”
- Deuteronomy 27:19 – “Cursed is anyone who denies justice to foreigners, orphans, or widows.”
God’s Redemption Story is the Story of Immigrants
Beyond commandments and warnings, the story of Scripture itself is full of immigrants:
- Abraham – Left his homeland to follow God’s call.
- Moses – Lived as a foreigner in Egypt and led Israel through the wilderness.
- The Israelites – Were exiles and immigrants for much of their history.
- Jesus Himself – As an infant, He fled to Egypt as a refugee to escape King Herod’s massacre (Matthew 2:13-15).
If we claim to follow Jesus, we must recognize that God chose to enact His plan of redemption through the lives of foreigners and immigrants. Nearly every major biblical figure was, at some point, a refugee or exile.
How Do American Christians Respond?
Despite the clear biblical call to love immigrants, modern American Christians often take a different stance. According to studies by the Public Religion Research Institute:
- 73% of white evangelicals hold negative views toward immigrants.
- 65% agree that immigrants threaten American customs and values.
- 61% believe immigrants are invading the country and replacing its cultural and ethnic background.
- 74% favor harsh deterrents like border walls and razor wire, even if they endanger or kill people.
Shockingly, white evangelicals lead all demographics in anti-immigrant sentiment. This raises a troubling question: Are we aligning our values more with political ideology than with Jesus?
Jesus’ Final Word on the Foreigner
Even if we ignored everything else, one passage alone is enough to shape our approach to immigration:
- Matthew 25:42-45 – “I was hungry, and you didn’t feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn’t give me a drink. I was a stranger, and you didn’t invite me into your home. I was naked, and you didn’t give me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit me… I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.”
The Greek word for “stranger” here is xenos, which means “foreigner.” Jesus makes it clear: How we treat the immigrant is how we treat Him.
What Should We Do?
So, how can we align our hearts with God’s on this issue?
- Check Your Heart – Are your attitudes toward immigrants shaped by Jesus or by political ideology? Fear and nationalism can distort our faith. Ask God to give you His heart for the foreigner.
- Apply the Scriptures – Mercy, kindness, justice, and care aren’t optional—they are the biblical standard.
- Support Justice-Oriented Policies – Christians should advocate for policies that reflect God’s love for immigrants, not those that oppress them.
- Live Like Jesus – If nearly every major biblical figure, including Jesus Himself, was a refugee or foreigner, we must take that to heart. Love the foreigner as yourself.
Political issues may be complex, but Jesus’ response to the foreigner is not. As citizens of His Kingdom, we are called to think and act like Him. That means loving immigrants, advocating for justice, and remembering that when we welcome the stranger, we welcome Jesus Himself.
As we engage in discussions about immigration, may we be known not for our fear, but for our faith. Not for our hostility, but for our hospitality. And above all, may we be known for our love.
