A Biblical Perspective on Immigration: Justice, Compassion, and Sustainability

 

God’s call for compassion toward those who seek refuge. However, the Bible also emphasizes the importance of lawfulness and order in society The Bible calls for both compassion and wisdom. Nations should welcome those in need while ensuring that immigration policies are sustainable and lawful. A balanced approach respects human dignity while maintaining order and security.  I feel and pray this is the agenda of President Trump

In the news: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recently removed Sergio Orlando Monroy Rescinos, a 37-year-old Guatemalan national, to his home country to face charges of aggravated sexual assault of a minor under 14 years of age. Monroy had entered the U.S. multiple times illegally since 2017 and was apprehended on several occasions. His removal was coordinated with Guatemalan authorities through the Security Alliance for Fugitive Enforcement (S.A.F.E.) task force. ICE officers encountered Monroy at the Sevier County Jail in Utah after his arrest in March 2025, issued a detainer, and reinstated his prior removal order. Upon arrival in Guatemala, Monroy was arrested and turned over to the courthouse for criminal proceedings. You can read the full details here.

Immigration is a complex issue that societies have wrestled with for centuries. The Bible provides guidance on how to treat foreigners, emphasizing both compassion and justice. While Scripture calls for kindness toward immigrants, it also upholds the importance of lawfulness and sustainability in governance. 

While compassion is essential, societies must also consider sustainability. Nations today face economic and social challenges when immigration exceeds their capacity to provide resources, jobs, and security. 

The Bible acknowledges the importance of wise governance: 

Proverbs 27:23 "Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds." 

Nehemiah 13:3 "So when they heard the law, they excluded all foreigners from Israel." 

1 Timothy 5:8 "Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." 

These verses remind us that leaders must make decisions that ensure the well-being of their people. While generosity is a virtue, unchecked immigration can strain resources, making it difficult to sustain a stable society. 

While welcoming foreigners, biblical law required them to respect the laws of the land: 

Exodus 12:49 "The same law shall apply to the native as to the stranger who sojourns among you." 

Deuteronomy 1:16 "Judge righteously between a man and his fellow countryman, or the alien who is with him." 

Leviticus 18:26 "You are to keep My statutes and My judgments and shall not do any of these abominations, neither the native nor the alien who sojourns among you." 

The Bible repeatedly commands fair treatment of foreigners: 

Exodus 22:21 "Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt." 

Leviticus 19:34"The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt." 

Matthew 25:35 "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in." 

These verses reflect God’s call for compassion toward those who seek refuge. However, the Bible also emphasizes the importance of lawfulness and order in society. 

 Let us Pray for justice and protection for the righteous

Heavenly Father, We come before You with hearts full of compassion for all those caught in the complexities of immigration and justice. Lord, we ask for Your wisdom to guide our leaders in creating policies that uphold both security and mercy. May those who seek refuge find safety, and may those who enforce the law do so with fairness and integrity. Comfort the families affected by these processes, and grant them strength and hope. Let justice roll like a river and righteousness like a never-failing stream. In Your name, we pray. Amen