Opinion: Immigration Is A Good Thing When It Is Done Through The Correct Legal Process

Many Christians claim that their political beliefs are rooted in Scripture but leave those ideals on the sidelines when the topic of immigration comes up. Donald Trump’s “Build the Wall” mantra dominated Conservative politics during his presidency, but what does the bible have to say about the issue? Many Christians — including myself — are guilty of being too harsh on immigration policies and should embrace a sensible but more open pathway.

Although modern immigration involves economic and national complexities, the Bible has a lot to say about foreigners. The children of Israel experienced many modern immigration issues, from exiles to deportations to slavery. Their interactions with neighboring countries and people groups resulted in a surprising abundance of orders concerning immigrants, or “foreigners.”

The Bible is clear about the need of caring for the oppressed and needy. It may not provide specific guidance for policies like DACA or travel visas, but the general principles still apply. Many groups that try to immigrate to the United States have the need for a stable country, and the Bible says we should provide justice and opportunity to these people. 

With this pro-immigrant outlook comes the drawback of illegal immigration. On the one hand, Christians should be supportive of accessible legal immigration, but the Bible is also clear about enforcing law and order. 

To be clear, illegal immigration should not be tolerated. 

Exodus 12:49 calls for equal administration of the law by both citizen and immigrant: “The same law applies both to the native-born and to the foreigner residing among you.” This submission under the law assigns accountability to migrants just as much as it does to Christians.

Immigrants have the responsibility of following immigration regulations from the government as outlined in Romans 13:2. “Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.” Illegal immigration is breaking the law. Unlawful practices like coyotes, or human smugglers, and illegal border crossings have no place in the immigration system. Such actions should be punished in a reasonable manner, which the Bible gives the government authority to do.

The topic of immigration hits close to home for many Christians. Around 1 in 10 U.S. evangelicals are in fact immigrants. The stability of the United States along with its Christian influence can be life changing for immigrants truly in need. Refugees from war-torn countries should be welcomed by followers of Christ, for those disadvantaged groups are in need and waiting to be met.

That opportunity should be cherished by Christ followers.

Some Conservative Christians tend to be quick to punish when they could instead offer an outstretched hand to immigrants. Immigration laws are necessary in any government, so as Christians, we should be on the offensive of supporting a more open immigration policy while limiting fraudulent criminal tactics brought about by illegal immigration.

Keaton Browder is an Opinion Writer. View his LinkedIn profile here.