Immigration is front and center in recent news. The US borders are still leaking like a sieve, and violence, spawned by the drug wars, is becoming more frequent. Arizona has stepped in to fill the federal vacuum of action and people around the country are taking sides and looking for political solutions. Immigration policy and, more particularly, what to do about the illegal immigrants already in this country is generating a lot of angst. Evangelical Christianity seems to be similarly divided. One News Now reports contrary views between a number of evangelical leaders on this topic. In another story religious leaders are speaking directly against the new Arizona law. Instead of trying to address the various political solutions, this post is going to try to look at some biblical conceptions (or misconceptions) about immigrants and illegal aliens. I would like to lay out a possible biblical argument used by more liberal advocates of policy and see if it stands the smell test. We all know what the issues in the news are and most of us have political perspective, but what does the Bible have to say illegal immigrants in particular?
The Bible For Amnesty?
Here are some Bible texts (NIV) that may be used to support an open immigration policy:
Leviticus 19:33-34: 'When an alien lives with you in your land, do not mistreat him. The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born. Love him as yourself, for you were aliens in Egypt. I am the LORD your God."
Exodus 22:21: "Do not mistreat an alien or oppress him, for you were aliens in Egypt."
Exodus 23:9: "Do not oppress an alien; you yourselves know how it feels to be aliens, because you were aliens in Egypt."
Deuteronomy 10:19: "And you are to love those who are aliens, for you yourselves were aliens in Egypt."
In light of these scriptural commands, are Christians to support open borders and/or amnesty programs for those that have come into our country without legal process? Should we be against the enforcement of civil laws requiring deportation? It seems to make sense that if Israel was commanded to treat the aliens among them "as one of your native-born" then Christians should take a similar approach and support illegal immigration. As with many so called biblical positions a look at the broader context of the passages may change the perspective.
A Little Deeper Look
1) Be careful not to uncritically impose Old Testament Law on current civil governments. While there are many principles from which we gain wisdom in the Old Testament law Christians should not desire a return to the theonomy of Exodus, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy. Even in the future reign of Christ on earth a return to the specifics of the law will not be imposed as this was only a shadow of the Gospel under Christ (Col 2:16-17). That being said, it does not seem improper to take a command to treat others (including aliens) as yourself (does this sound vaguely familiar?) as outdated.
2) In that vein (of the Golden rule), it is because the Israelites were strangers in Egypt themselves that they needed to treat other strangers honorably. That is, they knew what it was like (Deut. 10:19) to be in a foreign land. So, reach out to illegal immigrants and love them. Do not abuse or use them (Malachi 3:5). It is a temptation to hold their status over them. In the eyes of God, we are not better than any illegal alien (Rom. 3:9, 27). We all deserve the full weight of the law of God, but have been given mercy. We must look at everyone as made in the image of God and remember that we (as Christians) were once wanderers and aliens to God.
The New Testament uses the Old Testament terminology of aliens and foreigners to illustrate the change that takes place when we trust Christ. Ephesians 2:19: "Consequently [because of the blood of Christ], you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, . . " It is a picture of going from an "outsiders" status to one of intimacy and fellowship. (Alternately, this language is also used in the New Testament to describe the position of Christians in relation to the rest of the world as analogous to being strangers on earth [e.g., Heb. 11:13; 1 Peter 2:11].) It would be appropriate to use the current cultural issue of immigration to remind us of our just alienation from God and subsequent merciful acceptance into His family of those that trust Him. Immigration can remind us of the need to spread the Gospel.
3) Keep in mind that the aliens in Israel about which the passages above (Leviticus 19:33-34;Exodus 22:21; 23:9; Deuteronomy 10:19) were spoken were not illegal. They were invited by the law to stay. Further, the Isrealites in Egypt were invited there by Pharaoh (Gen. 47:1-10). Only later were they oppressed when another Pharaoh had forgotten what Joseph had done (Exodus 1:8). Thus, in the biblical context a stranger and alien does not imply being illegally in that place. Similarly, we have many aliens in this country who we have invited and who we have let come. These are the people that the passages mentioned spoke specifically about.
4) The strangers in Israel were treated differently than Israelites. They could not own property; they could be bought as slaves and charged interest unlike Israelites. (Lev. 25: 47; I Chron. 22:1-3; 2 Chronicles 2:16-18). This is similar to the laws in our country. There are certain priviledges afforded to legal aliens and there are certain priviledges denied. For instance, someone in the United States on a student visa is not allowed to hold certain jobs. They do not have the rights of citizens. They do not have the right of leadership (Deuteronomy 17:14-15).
5) Aliens had to obey the laws of the land. The children of Israel were to live well while in Egypt - not in opposition to the laws. Joseph's family asked permission of Pharaoh (Genesis 46:28-47:9) to be there. Later, when the Israelites had their own land they received stern instructions for themselves and foreigners in their midst. Here is a sampling:
Leviticus 18:25-27: "Even the land was defiled; so I punished it for its sin, and the land vomited out its inhabitants. But you must keep my decrees and my laws. The native-born and the aliens living among you must not do any of these detestable things, for all these things were done by the people who lived in the land before you, and the land became defiled." Here a distinction is made between natural born citizens and aliens, but both are required to follow the law.
Numbers 19:10 "This will be a lasting ordinance both for the Israelites and for the aliens living among them." The lasting ordinance of the law was applicable to everyone.
Deut. 31:12 "Assemble the people—men, women and children, and the aliens living in your towns—so they can listen and learn to fear the LORD your God and follow carefully all the words of this law." Again, the law was applicable to everyone.
Joshua 8:32-35 "There, in the presence of the Israelites, Joshua copied on stones the law of Moses, which he had written. All Israel, aliens and citizens alike, with their elders, officials and judges, were standing on both sides of the ark of the covenant of the LORD, facing those who carried it—the priests, who were Levites. . . . Afterward, Joshua read all the words of the law—the blessings and the curses—just as it is written in the Book of the Law. There was not a word of all that Moses had commanded that Joshua did not read to the whole assembly of Israel, including the women and children, and the aliens who lived among them." A clear delineation was made between citizen and immigrant. The laws were applied to everyone.
From these we see that immigrants are called, like citizens, to submit and obey the laws. We see in Romans 13:1-7 that government has been established by God. It is the agent of God to keep order, protect the weak, and punish the wrong doer. The language of "bear[ing] the sword" is an image of law enforcement. To willfully disobey the government is the same as disobeying God. Bottom line? Do what is right, obey the law - immigrants and citizens.
Furthermore, Scripture makes clear that governments are put in their place in order that every individual has the best opportunity to seek God. Acts 17:26-27: "From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us."
6) What about the instances where people are called to violate a civil law when it directly goes against the commands of God. Don't the laws of God trump the law of man? Yes, there are times when Christians are to obey God rather than man (e.g., Acts 4:15-20; Acts 5:29; Exodus 1:17). The question then is, is that what is happening in the case of illegal immigration? Should we support the illegal immigrants against the supposed tyranny of the government? Should we harbor illegal aliens in our churches so they don't have to be deported to Mexico or other locations.The answer is clearly no. There is no command of God that the United States government (or Arizona government) is violating by expecting to protect it's borders and control the flow of those that would ignore the law. The government is fulfilling it's God given duties of securing the peace in not allowing anyone and everyone to cross it's borders. The ends (securing a better future for themselves and their families) do not justify the means (illegally entering the country). Christians have no justification for subverting the law on this issue. We are not justified in lying for them or harboring them.
But what about illegal aliens who are living “morally” (i.e., who are not breaking other laws)? Aren't they better than native born citizens who are immoral and are breaking the law in many other ways? There is no doubt that there are many illegals who make better citizens than the actual citizens of this country. However, this is not the issue and is a logical rabbit trail. It would not do for the government to refuse to enforce its laws until everyone who is "worse" than some particular law break is given justice. This would be an untenable principle of justice.
What about Jesus telling us to turn the other cheek to abusers (Matthew 5:39; Luke 6:29)? Shouldn't we ignore some evil in order to be loving Christians? If they cross the borders illegally, shouldn't we ignore that (turn the other cheek) in order to help them? This would be a gross misapplication of this passage. One has to completely rip this passage out of its context to see the passage this way. First, turning the other cheek is for the purpose of spreading the Gospel not for government regulation. This is a personal admonition, not a directive to appropriate government. The Church is not intended to be a law enforcement agency. The Church is remedial not punitive. That is, it's job is redemption of the soul and not the securing of borders. Security is the God ordained job of government and the Church should recognize and appreciate this role.
7) A proper path to citizenship was prescribed in the Old Testament and is appropriate today. First, when Jacob's family was entering Egypt they sought and received permission from Pharaoh to stay in his land. (Genesis 46:28-47:9). Likewise, when the Israelites were in their own land and were confronted with how to treat foreigners a proper path to "citizenship" was ordained. They had to fully convert to Judaism (which included the ceremony of circumcision for males). Only then could they own land and be fully integrated. Those desiring to be full member of the society had to take on the values of the host society (including, as seen above, the honoring of the whole law). The Old Testament sojourner (alien) purposed to live under the law of in order to be treated as a fellow Israelite. Review this example:
Exodus 12:48 "And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the passover to the LORD, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land: for no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof." This parallels the important practice of having those that wish to become citizens of the United States take citizenship classes where they learn the history and values that we espouse. The Old Testament example was not one of easy amnesty. It was one of intentional education and acceptance through a process of time and ceremony and was sealed with a solemn act of deep commitment (adult circumcision was not for those who made light of their new citizenship).
Some Concluding Thoughts What can we take away from all of this? First, remember the Great Commission imperative – make disciples (spread the Gospel). Second, as believers in Christ we must learn to live with the tensions of putting into practice our faith. Our application can not be done haphazardly by pulling a verse or two out of context. We must struggle to rightly apply biblical principles in the complex situations that arise in current affairs. Ethical issues need to be carefully evaluated in light of the whole of Scripture. Third, treat everyone with respect. Be kind to illegal aliens, proclaim the Gospel to them, and encourage them to follow the law in regards to their habitation in our country. Do everything possible to move them toward legal citizenship. Fourth, those that have obeyed the law (i.e., applied legally) should not be put ahead of those that disobey the law. Fifth, uphold the law and respect the God given role of government. Their role is to protect the borders so do not discourage this. Expect obedience to the law by everyone. Further, there is a difference between aliens and trespassers. There is no Scriptural command for open borders, lawlessness, easy amnesty or the like. Next, when advocating a way to citizenship do not bypass due process and do not encourage rights for those that have not yet yielded to the values of the United States (or other country). Finally, consider solutions that are both just and are cognizant of the realities of those that face severe difficulties in many other countries. Personally, I would like to see processes put in place that legally allowed many more immigrants into our country each year. Many around the world suffer for their faith. Political oppression is prevalent and poverty is rampant. Our country was built on immigrants and should continue to do so--just not at the cost of lawlessness. Close the borders (justice). Open the gates (mercy).
Is. 14:1 "The LORD will have compassion on Jacob; once again he will choose Israel and will settle them in their own land. Aliens will join them and unite with the house of Jacob."
Ezekiel 47:21-23 "You are to distribute this land among yourselves according to the tribes of Israel. You are to allot it as an inheritance for yourselves and for the aliens who have settled among you and who have children. You are to consider them as native-born Israelites; along with you they are to be allotted an inheritance among the tribes of Israel. In whatever tribe the alien settles, there you are to give him his inheritance, declares the Sovereign LORD."
