4 biblical principles on immigration

In the discourse surrounding immigration, differing opinions often emerge, sometimes lacking a foundation in biblical teachings. The following are four fundamental biblical principles pertaining to immigration: adherence to legal statutes, the immorality of unlawful entry, the precedent set by the family of Jesus, and the imperative to extend love to all individuals.

First, the Israelite community emphasized the importance of obeying the laws of the land in both the Hebrew Scriptures and in the writings of the Jewish New Testament authors. In Romans 13 and 1 Peter 2:13, believers are instructed to submit to governing authorities as a way of honoring God’s order. These passages emphasize that civil disobedience against lawful authority is rebellion against God’s institution. This principle emphasizes that individuals must adhere to the legal frameworks of the nations they reside in or visit. The only exception to this mandate occurs when laws conflict with God's commands to protect human life from murder, as illustrated in Exodus 1:19 and Joshua 2. In these examples we have in Scripture, breaking the law of the land is only ethically justified under circumstances where human life is in immediate danger or is about to perish. Certainly some who enter another country's borders illegally are fleeing from religious persecution or from an imminent threat to their lives. However, this does not justify the intentional avoidance of legal ports of entry. As a rule, the Bible advocates for lawful living as a witness to both God and the world.

The only other exemplar is when authorities outlaw biblical prayer, as illustrated in Daniel 6. In this passage, the king’s decree forbids praying to anyone except the king for thirty days. Despite this, Daniel continues to pray to God, showing his ultimate allegiance to his God over the king’s law. While Daniel disobeys the law, it is not out of rebellion but out of a higher commitment to God's law. While Daniel's disobedience here is an act of civil disobedience in the face of an unjust law, the general teaching in the Bible holds that breaking the law is only permissible when it conflicts with God’s higher moral law in the examples provided. 

Second, the act of entering a country illegally is viewed as a violation of divine instruction. The New Testament asserts that such actions are unethical, as they violate the established laws of the land. In Titus 3:1-2, Paul instructs Titus to remind the believers to be law-abiding, peaceful, and humble, reflecting the importance of maintaining respect for civil authorities and societal rules. The Apostle Paul modeled this himself when he made an appeal to Caesar (Acts 25:8-12) after being unjustly arrested. When Paul is accused of breaking the law and faces trial, he appeals to Caesar, indicating his respect for the legal process and his willingness to use legal channels to seek justice. This shows that, even when unjustly accused, Paul submits to the legal system but also asserts his right to legal protection. This principle serves as a reminder that legality and morality are intertwined and that individuals should seek to adhere to the laws governing immigration.

Third, the example of Jesus' family further illustrates the importance of legal immigration. A recent commercial by the He Gets Us campaign inaccurately suggests Jesus, Mary, and Joseph were akin to immigrants illegally fleeing to Egypt. However, this interpretation misrepresents the historical context. At the time, Egypt was part of the Roman Empire, and the family's journey did not involve breaking any laws. Instead, they moved within the confines of the empire, highlighting that their actions were lawful and justified. This would be like moving from San Francisco to San Diego. This distinction is crucial in understanding whether Jesus’ family entered a country unlawfully while fleeing to Egypt. 

Finally, the Bible calls for love and respect for all individuals, regardless of their legal status. While it is essential to treat everyone with dignity and compassion, this does not equate to endorsing illegal immigration or illegal activity of any kind involved in the process. The biblical narrative supports the idea of legal immigration, where immigrants are welcomed but are also expected to adhere to the laws of the land. The Israelite nation historically welcomed immigrants, provided they followed the legal requirements, underwent circumcision, and became part of the covenant community (cf. Gen 17:9-14; 34:15-24; Ex 12:48). Resident aliens were to be protected, and those who exploited them faced prophetic judgment (Jer 22:3).

The biblical perspective on immigration emphasizes a balance between legal obedience and personal compassion. It advocates for adherence to the laws of the land, viewing illegal entry as a violation of divine instruction. The example of Jesus' family illustrates lawful movement within a governed territory, reinforcing the importance of legal immigration even though their circumstance warranted the exception. Additionally, while the Bible calls for love and respect for all individuals, it maintains that this compassion should not undermine the necessity of following legal protocols. Ultimately, the biblical teachings suggest that immigrants should be welcomed and treated with dignity, provided they comply with the established laws of their host countries.