What is a Christian response to illegal aliens/illegal immigrants?

what does the bible say?

The Bible teaches that God’s children must obey the law of the l and (Romans 13:1-7). But the illegal immigrant issue becomes more complex when immigrant refugees are seeking asylum because of persecution in their home country. The biblical principle of showing fairness toward “sojourners” (immigrants) is well-documented in Old Testament Mosaic Law (Exodus 23:9; Leviticus 23:22; Deuteronomy 24:14). Though Christians shouldn’t break immigration law unless it contradicts God’s law (Acts 5:29), they should be ever aware of showing others the love of Christ (Colossians 3:12-14).

from the old testament

• The Bible teaches that we are not to take advantage of aliens among us (Exodus 23:9).
• God is impartial to birthplace, and He demands justice for everyone (Deuteronomy 10:18).
• To take advantage of illegal immigrants by giving them unfair wages for work is not only unbiblical (Deuteronomy 24:14), it hurts both the immigrants and citizens of the country they enter.
• The caveat God gave the Israelites regarding aliens is that they were to obey the laws of the l and (Leviticus 24:22). The Israelites needed to encourage that by giving them opportunities for sustenance (Leviticus 23:22).

from the new testament

• Christians are called to obey the law of the l and (Romans 13:1-7). Immigrants should seek to come to their new country legally, not illegally. If hiring immigrants without proper documentation or helping them cross the border is illegal, we should not do it.
• The book of Philemon, though not specifically about immigration, exemplifies how the church can act as liaison between the law and the immigrant who breaks the law. Onesimus was a slave who ran from his master Philemon. Under Roman law, a runaway slave or anyone who harbored him could be subject to extreme punishment or even death. Paul knew the Law, but he humbly wrote to Philemon as a brother in Christ, encouraging him to show mercy to Onesimus. Paul even offered to be responsible for any debt Onesimus may have incurred.
• Jesus’ Parable of the Good Samaritan shows that our “neighbor” could be even those who are traditionally opposed to each other, as the injured Samaritan and the Jew who helped him were (Luke 10:25-37). This principle can also apply to helping aliens in need.

implications for today

A wall defines boundaries. It also divides. In the U.S., the divide between political parties seems even more unbreakable than a physical wall as the two major parties debate whether/how to stop people from illegally entering the country. Christians are called to obey law. But there is no law against showing Christ’s love to others, illegal immigrants included. Our political party should never supersede our identity in Christ. Our mission is to share the gospel, and our mission field is often the people we encounter every day. We do not need to ask for someone’s immigration status before we extend compassion, speak truth, and point them to Jesus—because the Gospel crosses every border that politics cannot.

Recap

understand

• Christians must obey the law while showing Christ’s love to all, including illegal immigrants.
• The Bible calls for fairness and justice toward immigrants and sojourners.
• Mercy and compassion reflect Jesus’ example, regardless of legal status.

reflect

• Where do you struggle or wrestle with the problem of illegal immigrants, and how does God’s Word speak into that struggle?
• How are you actively demonstrating fairness, justice, or mercy to people who are vulnerable or marginalized?
• How might your political opinions or affiliations interfere with your mission to share the Gospel and show Christ’s love?

engage

• How can we demonstrate Christ’s love to immigrants while still respecting the laws of our country?
• What practical ways can Christians show mercy to those society may view as outsiders?
• How do Jesus’ teachings in the Parable of the Good Samaritan challenge our assumptions about who deserves our help and compassion?