Questions for christians regardi g immigration. To insis...
Questions for christians regardi g immigration. To insist that one’s own view on refugees is the only possible view for a Christian to have is neither helpful nor realistic. As we have explored the teachings of the Bible regarding immigration, we see that God calls us to love and welcome those who may be different from us. The issue of immigration is perennially divisive in American politics and also among American Christians (whose opinions about immigration are often more informed by politics than by the Bible). Even in the case of less urgent migrations, a developed nation's right to limit immigration must be based on justice, mercy, and the common good, not on self-interest. When looking at immigration from a Christian perspective, it helps to break it down along two tracks; Legal vs Illegal Immigration, and the government’s role versus that of the individual or the church. Aug 29, 2025 · This post will explore various perspectives on immigration, from liberal and conservative viewpoints to the realities faced by documented and undocumented immigrants, all while seeking to discern a Christ-centered response grounded in scripture. Yet we can find in Scripture a basic framework to think about the issue well and guide our engagement as citizens. As Christians, we look to the Bible for guidance on how to navigate complex issues such as immigration. Romans 13:1-7 is clear that God calls the Christian to obey our laws, unless they are in violation of His overarching laws. Christians who believe that immigration laws ought to be changed because they are unfair or unjust can organize and try to change those laws through legal channels, such as elections and ballot propositions. So, if government is doing its job, government officials should “praise” Christians, the church of Christ, and the Bible more than they laud anything or anyone else. Questions for Reflection: Reflect on Leviticus 19:33-34. Christians should care for the hurting, including refugees admitted under government policy. For one group to malign the other as “un-Christian” or “unloving” or “racist” is wrong. And there is nothing in the Bible that suggests a sovereign nation, such as America, should not have immigration laws. He believes that the opinions, evaluations, attitudes, and proposals of the American people, including among Christians, concerning Hispanic immigration, are not informed by a Christian religious commitment, but rather by ideological commitments and personal background and experience. Our laws need compassion, clarity and enforcement. whose members have been directly or indirectly affected by recent decisions regarding immigration enforcement and refugee resettlement. Is what you are posting on social media regarding immigration destroying your Christian witness? More importantly, is what you are doing, saying and posting reflecting the attitudes in your heart? <b> </b> The Bible calls believers to treat immigrants and foreigners with kindness and justice, reflecting God’s love for all people. Constitutional Crisis In the journey of faith, we are reminded of the significant role played by our neighbors. ” Psalm 146:9 ESV / 5,554 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful The Lord watches over the sojourners See also Carroll, Christians at the Border. While evangelicals, like other Americans, might disagree on the political specifics of achieving a just and compassionate immigration policy, our rhetoric must be informed by more than politics, but instead by gospel and mission. Study of immigration laws and practices and seeking to reform any such law and practices that appear to be unduly harsh or unjust. Oct 19, 2025 · In this article I want to explore the theological framework within which Christians should think about these divisive questions and contribute to public discussion of them. In passages like Romans 13:1-2 and 1 Peter 2:13-14, Christians are reminded to respect governing laws, including immigration policies, as part of God’s order for nations. One of the most famous is the story of Joseph, who was sold into slavery by his brothers and ended up in Egypt, where he became a trusted adviser to the Pharaoh. Our hearts should be open to showing kindness and compassion, standing up for justice, and working toward unity in the body of believers. Responding to Our Current Situation Is it possible within our current immigration laws to be compassionate and to be subject to ruling authorities at the same time? One way to answer that question is to apply the biblical guidelines reviewed earlier to the different roles in the immigration debate. 3 practical things Christians can do in response to the current immigration crisis Maybe the toughest question of all in this immigration discussion is "What can I do? I'm reading the Scripture, I'm seeing God's heart for the victimized and the marginalized. Is illegal immigration a sin? What does the Bible say about immigrants or illegal aliens? What does the Bible say about refugees, and how Christians should The border crisis is a complex issue, balancing compassion with justice. Immigration and border security are complicated issues, and faithful Christians will likely disagree on exactly what the best specific policies will be. A central question must be answered before a biblically informed immigration policy may be determined: What role does God intend civil government to fulfill? After all, earthly government will be the mechanism through which public policy is formulated. 1. By M. Ultimately, the Christian response to immigration should reflect the character of Jesus, who embodied love, justice, and mercy in all His interactions. While this Essay focuses on mainstream Christian conversations about immigration, a small but thoughtful academic legal literature explores immigration from a Christian perspective. I share my father-in-law’s view of immigration laws. As Christians, the Bible instructs us to love our neighbors, as we Christians must navigate immigration debates by balancing biblical teachings on hospitality and justice with societal needs and the dignity of every person. First, let’s consider a potential immigrant. Discover more on this ethical issue. Making the attempt is Tim Dieppe, writing for the In the days since the 2024 election, Latino evangelicals across the United States have been left grappling with uncertainty about what immigration policy will look like under the incoming Context and Pastoral Response Over the past several weeks, Thrive has received numerous inquiries from Christian Reformed congregations across the U. What are the best biblical arguments for strong borders and enforcement of immigration law on one side, or for more open borders on the other? For Christians, the questions about building the border wall or permitting immigrants and refugees into the United States involve a host of associated considerations not just about the specifics So how do we look at immigration from a Biblical perspective while protecting our children, other Americans, and those attempting to come into this country, both legally and illegally? As Christians, we believe that all humans, whether American citizen or immigrant, are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). Those seeking to emigrate to another country should always obey the immigration laws of that country. Border Crisis vs. Some might presume that’s because the Bible is silent on the issue of immigration - but it’s not. Explore a biblical view of immigrants and how Scripture informs Christian perspectives on immigration and acceptance. America has the right and duty to secure her borders and protect her citizens. S. What does the Bible say about foreigners, immigrants, and foreign workers? This word study explores the key Old and New Testament terms. All these gather together when considering the issue of immigration. From a biblical perspective, it is clear that enforcing borders and immigration laws is not just a political decision, but a matter of upholding the order God has established. As Christians navigate the immigration dilemma, they are called to balance these principles, showing love and hospitality to the stranger while also respecting and adhering to lawful processes. They're making a different set of arguments to justify a change in immigration enforcement. For many, Christianity is a faith rooted in compassion, justice, and love for others — reflecting God’s own heart. Daniel Carroll RodasThe issues surrounding the immigration debate are complex and ongoing. I’m amazed when I hear evangelical . Do I believe the only Christian response to this crisis is the mass importation of refugees into America? Not at all. As Christians, it is most important that we know what God says about immigration. Prudence. Feb 24, 2025 · My wife and I lived in three other countries as IMB missionaries, and we also dealt with immigration issues. There are other Christians who, in this era of terrorism, believe we should close all borders and refuse most refugees. ” During this time, attendees from all over the Triangle shared a meal and heard Soerens expound upon how the Bible instructs Christians to engage immigration policy. Someone’s immigration status does not define their inherent moral worth, and nowhere in the Bible does God support prejudice towards or mistreatment of migrants, whether they are here legally or illegally. This is where the discussion becomes more complex. The biblical and theo-logical norms regarding immigration are clear from multiple texts using various terms translated stranger, sojourner, alien and guest. Biblical Commands Regarding Immigrants: Love, Protection, and Justice Scripture is replete with commands to love, protect, and provide for foreigners. Someone’s immigration status does not define their inherent moral So, as Christians, how are we to approach immigration? In a recent edition of Family Research Council’s The Washington Stand, senior writer Joshua Arnold tackles this question with grace and truth. Jan 21, 2026 · Supporting, enabling, or encouraging illegal immigration is a violation of God’s Word. Illegal immigration encompasses various complex factors, and as Christians, it is vital that we consider this issue from a biblical worldview when assessing the government’s role and responsibilities, as well as the expectations and rights of its citizens. The question “Can you be a Christian and be against immigration?” raises deep moral and theological considerations. Sep 4, 2025 · To answer these questions, we should examine how the recent incentivized acceleration of illegal immigration has produced extremely dangerous and destabilizing effects upon our nation. Matthew Soerens and Daniel Darling help Christian pastors think about the issue of immigration. Think before you speak. We invite you to consider the following bible passages and questions as you dialogue together about your congregation’s engagement with immigration. While the Scriptures do not prescribe specific immigration policy that should govern the The topic of immigration is sensitive, but as with all issues, we must look to Scripture first, before allowing our personal feelings to shape our views. None “do good” like Christians. It is the responsibility of Congress, voted into office by our citizens, to establish immigration laws. Discover the Christian view on immigration, biblical teachings on strangers, illegal vs. Justice and law are essential parts of Christian teachings regarding immigration. Together, they wrestle with questions like: What does the Bible really say about immigration, borders, and love for the foreigner? How do we hold together compassion and conviction using texts like Romans 13 and Deuteronomy 10? Is it unloving for a country to enforce its laws? Does proximity to others affect our responsibility to love? Below are common questions Catholics may have regarding the Church’s teaching on immigration and the Church’s care for migrants. While you might think of the issue as modern and outside of the reach of Scripture, there are several key passages that teach us how to respond to the question of, “What would Jesus do about illegal immigration?” The Christian response to immigrant communities in the United States cannot be “You kids get off of my lawn” in Spanish. How does the gospel shape our views? How should Christians approach the question of immigration? Given that those who profess faith in Christ span a great range of views on the subject, from Tim Farron to Tommy Robinson, it is by no means obvious what the “correct” answer might be. A 3 days ago · This post explores the biblical perspective on immigration, highlighting scriptural commands, key principles, and the example of Jesus Christ for Christians today. Are Christians ready to respond? As Christians, we believe that all humans, whether American citizen or immigrant, are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the Lord your God. A scholar of religion and migration writes about the long-standing tensions among Christians regarding their moral obligations to those more or less closely connected to them. We are reminded that every person is valuable in His eyes. That’s national suicide on a number of levels. Some congregations, long-engaged in refugee resettlement and serving communities with many immigrant and Immigration, like other social issues, is also complex because the move from Christian ethical norms to public policy is not always clear. The Christian faith brings rich resources to bear on the complicated questions of immigration. Responses are grounded in Church teachings that include the Catechism of the Catholic Church and papal encyclical guidance. I don’t think we should have open borders, for refugees OR immigrants. Leviticus 23:22 ESV / 5,704 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful “And when you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, nor shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest. Christians can and should understand the complex reasons that people have violated immigration laws, whether they did so by crossing the border without documents or overstaying a temporary visa. While showing compassion, believers are also called to respect the laws of the land and to reflect God’s character and heart in the way they treat immigrants and foreigners. We are also to seek justice and act with wisdom. The question of illegal immigration and deportation requires careful consideration of additional biblical principles. How should a Christian respond to illegal aliens / illegal immigrants / DACA? Should Christians be more concerned about the law or about the plight of the immigrants? Discerning a call based on scripture and church tradition should be a reflective exercise for your congregation. It ought to be the case that our leaders cannot say enough good things about Christianity. Advocacy for comprehensive immigration reform that seeks the well-being and flourishing of people without legal status and provides increased opportunities for immigrants to gain legal status. The formative liberation of Israel by God from enslavement by the Egyptians led to commandments regarding hospitality to strangers (Ex 23:9; Lv 19:33). Explore how biblical perspectives on immigration can illuminate current immigration policies, fostering a compassionate dialogue among Christians on this critical issue. While some emphasize kindness toward migrants, others stress the importance of law and order—so how should Christians respond? This article explores biblical principles on justice, accountability, and true compassion If you’re a Christian with questions about illegal immigration, the Bible has answers. The issue carries with it several questions that require nuance and consideration—particularly for Christians. Is what you are posting on social media regarding immigration destroying your Christian witness? More importantly, is what you are doing, saying and posting reflecting the attitudes in your heart? Jesus talked about that too (Matthew 12:34). Christians should follow the laws of the land, while also showing the love of Christ to illegal immigrants. Moreover, immigration policy ought to take into account other important values such as the right of families to live together. This raises thought-provoking questions about how biblical principles on immigration, national sovereignty, and compassion intersect. The Bible is full of stories about migration and the journeys of displaced people. Christians are called to uphold the rule of law while extending compassion to those in need. The thing is, at least among the vast majority of Christians, there is little debate about how Christians are expected to personally treat immigrants in general. The United States was founded by immigrants, and many can point to ancestors from Europe, Asia, or Africa who reached these shores in the last 250 years. Immigration, particularly unauthorized immigration, presents complex challenges. legal immigration, and supporting immigrants in faith. As Christians, how should we consider issues of immigration, refugees, and border control? Matthew Soerens, World Relief’s Vice President of Policy & Advocacy, shared this at Trinity Baptist Church in May at “A Biblical Perspective on Immigration. nmatj, uawert, bo8bp, jty6, 3s3y, rqbf, i79t, j9vel, zxv9y, dyizhk,