How A Biblical Worldview Shapes Our Thoughts Towards Immigration
The debate over immigration can often feel overwhelming. We hear opinions from politicians, newscasters, and even our neighbors, each offering conflicting perspectives. In the middle of it all, as followers of Christ, we’re called to ask a more important question: What does God’s Word say about this issue?
A couple of years ago I took a job at a middle school in a very rural community in South Carolina. There was a very heavy Hispanic population in the community as many families had migrated to the States to find work to provide for their families.
One particular young lady had traveled back to Mexico to visit family when President Trump was elected to his second term. Immediately the emotional temperature and energy in the school shifted, but it was amplified when a rumor started going around that this young lady was stuck in Mexico and not allowed to return back to the States.
Students were worried, for her and their own families. Other students were rude, making comments like, “that’s what she gets for coming here illegally.” There was a tension in the air when the issue of immigration hit home. This lady, an active part of the school and community, might not ever be seen again. She did return a few days later, and it turned out to only be a rumor, but that rumor, coupled with the news that the Trump admin would be actively deporting many of the immigrants that had come illegally had stirred some passionate emotions within the school. Immigration wasn’t just a policy debate—it was about real people created in the image of God.
We’re going to take a few minutes to dive into what the Bible teaches about immigration, looking at how Scripture shapes our perspective on people, policies, and justice.
The Biblical Worldview on Immigration
As Christians, we’re called to see the world through the lens of Scripture. This is what it means to have a biblical worldview. Rather than letting culture, politics, or personal opinions shape our beliefs, we allow God’s Word to guide our understanding.
So, what does the Bible say about immigration? To answer that, we need to start with a foundational truth: every person is made in the image of God.
Genesis 1:27 tells us, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” This simple but profound statement reminds us that every human being has inherent worth and dignity. Whether someone is born in your neighborhood or on the other side of the world, whether we know their names or not, they bear the image of our Creator.
This truth has powerful implications for how we view immigrants. They are not statistics or strangers; they are God’s image-bearers. Acts 17:26-27 further reinforces this idea, saying, “And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God.” These verses remind us that God is sovereign over nations and borders, and His ultimate desire is for all people to seek and know Him.
Viewing immigration through this lens changes everything. Instead of seeing immigrants as outsiders, we see them as people God loves and values. Instead of focusing solely on policies, we start by considering the individuals those policies impact.
Of course, having a biblical worldview doesn’t mean ignoring the complexities of immigration. There are laws to respect, challenges to address, and wisdom to apply. But it does mean that our starting point is always the same: the dignity and value of every person.
What the Bible Says About Immigrants
When we open our Bibles, we find that immigration isn’t a modern issue—it’s a reality that has existed throughout history. God’s people have often been sojourners, exiles, and foreigners, and Scripture speaks directly to how we’re called to treat those who live among us as immigrants.
Old Testament Principles One of the most striking themes in the Old Testament is God’s care for the sojourner. In Exodus 22:21, God commands the Israelites, “You shall not wrong a sojourner or oppress him, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt.” This command wasn’t just a rule to follow—it was a reminder of their own story. The Israelites knew what it meant to be strangers in a foreign land, and God called them to extend compassion to others because of it.
Leviticus 19:33-34 takes this even further: “When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.” Here, God links the command to love immigrants with His own identity as their Lord. Caring for the sojourner wasn’t optional—it was an essential part of living out their faith.
The Old Testament also gives us examples of immigrants who played crucial roles in God’s redemptive plan. Think of Ruth, a Moabite who became part of the lineage of Jesus, or Joseph, who was sold into slavery in Egypt but rose to a position of influence that saved many lives. These stories remind us that God often works through people who cross borders and boundaries.
New Testament Perspectives In the New Testament, Jesus broadens the call to love and care for others. When asked to define “neighbor” in Luke 10:25-37, Jesus tells the parable of the Good Samaritan. In this story, the Samaritan—an outsider despised by many—is the one who shows true love and compassion. Jesus’ message is clear: Our neighbor isn’t limited to those who look like us or live near us. It includes anyone in need.
The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19 also speaks to the global nature of God’s kingdom. Jesus commands His followers to “make disciples of all nations.” This call reminds us that God’s heart is for all people, regardless of their nationality or status.
Understanding the Law and Justice
As Christians, we recognize the importance of living in obedience to the laws of the land. Romans 13:1-7 reminds us to submit to governing authorities, for “there is no authority except from God.” At the same time, we also serve a higher authority—God Himself. This dual responsibility can create tension, especially when laws seem to conflict with biblical values.
Respecting the Law of the Land While Caring for Immigrants: A Biblical Perspective
As Christians, we are called to honor both God’s Word and the laws of the land in which we live. This dual responsibility can create tension when addressing complex issues like immigration. While Scripture clearly commands us to care for the foreigner and the oppressed, it also emphasizes the importance of upholding justice and maintaining order.
Honoring the Law
Romans 13:1-7 reminds us that governing authorities are instituted by God, and Christians are to submit to them. Verse 1 states, “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” This passage calls believers to respect the rule of law as a way to honor God, understanding that lawful order is part of His design for a flourishing society.
Breaking the law—whether by citizens or non-citizens—is not something Scripture condones. When individuals circumvent legal processes, it undermines justice and can harm the community. Christians are called to encourage accountability and advocate for solutions that promote both justice and mercy.
Protecting Our Neighbors
In addition to loving the sojourner, Christians are to love their neighbors (Mark 12:31). This includes protecting communities from harm and ensuring public safety. Laws that regulate immigration are not inherently unjust but are meant to safeguard citizens and ensure fairness.
Balancing these responsibilities requires wisdom and discernment. Christians should support policies that uphold justice while also reflecting God’s heart for mercy and compassion.
Walking the Narrow Path
The tension between justice and mercy is one of the most challenging aspects of the immigration conversation. As Christians, we are called to uphold justice, which includes respecting the rule of law. Yet, we are also called to extend mercy and compassion, particularly to those who are vulnerable.
As disciples of Christ, we must navigate the tension between justice and mercy with grace. We should advocate for laws that are fair and compassionate, help those seeking refuge find legal paths to stability, and encourage individuals to respect the legal system. Above all, our actions should reflect God’s character, demonstrating both His justice and His love.
By doing so, we fulfill our dual call: to honor God by respecting the law and to reflect His love by caring for the vulnerable.
God’s Heart for Justice
The Bible is filled with passages emphasizing the importance of justice. Micah 6:8 famously summarizes our calling: “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Justice is a reflection of God’s character, and as His people, we’re called to embody it in our actions.
Proverbs 31:8-9 challenges us to “open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.” This instruction reminds us that justice includes advocating for those who are often overlooked or oppressed, including immigrants.
God’s Call to Mercy
At the same time, mercy is a central theme in Scripture. In Matthew 9:13, Jesus declares, “I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.” This doesn’t negate the need for justice but highlights the importance of a compassionate heart.
One of the most powerful examples of mercy is found in John 8:1-11, where Jesus forgives the woman caught in adultery. The law demanded her punishment, but Jesus extended grace while still calling her to repentance. This story beautifully illustrates how justice and mercy can coexist in the kingdom of God.
Applying These Principles to Immigration
When it comes to immigration, balancing justice and mercy requires wisdom and discernment. Respecting the law is important, but we must also consider the human impact of those laws. How do we treat undocumented immigrants who live in our communities? How do we respond to families seeking refuge from violence or poverty? These are complex questions, but they’re also opportunities to reflect God’s character.
Jesus modeled this balance perfectly. He never compromised on truth but always extended grace to those in need. As His followers, we’re called to do the same.
Loving Your Neighbor
The command to love our neighbors is one of the clearest and most repeated instructions in Scripture. But who is our neighbor, and how does this command apply to immigration?
The Parable of the Good Samaritan
In Luke 10:25-37, Jesus tells the story of a man beaten and left for dead on the side of the road. While a priest and a Levite pass by without helping, it is a Samaritan—an outsider and enemy of the Jewish people—who stops to care for the injured man. Jesus concludes the parable by commanding His listeners to “go and do likewise.”
This parable challenges us to expand our definition of “neighbor.” It’s not just the person who lives next door or shares our cultural background. It’s anyone in need, including immigrants and refugees.
Practicing Love in Action
1 John 3:18 reminds us, “Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” Loving our neighbors means more than just having good intentions—it requires action. This might look like volunteering at a local shelter, helping an immigrant family learn English, or simply offering a warm welcome to someone new in your community.
Barriers to Love
Loving our neighbors can be difficult, especially when fear, prejudice, or political opinions get in the way. It’s natural to feel uncertain about people who seem different from us. But as followers of Christ, we’re called to rise above those barriers and reflect His love to everyone we meet.
1 John 4:18 says, “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.” When we focus on loving others as God loves us, fear begins to lose its grip.
Reflecting God’s Kingdom
As Christians, we are citizens of God’s kingdom first and foremost. This eternal perspective should shape how we view immigration and every other issue we face in this world. As disciples of Jesus, citizens of God’s Kingdom, HIs is the primary and first Kingdom we represent. Before we engage in the political games of any other nation, our primary commitment is to represent and reflect the will and desires of our king, Jesus.
A Kingdom of All Nations
Revelation 7:9 gives us a glimpse of heaven, where “a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, [stands] before the throne and before the Lamb.” God’s kingdom is diverse, and His desire is for people from every nation to know and worship Him.
This vision reminds us that immigration isn’t just a political issue—it’s a kingdom opportunity. Every immigrant who comes into our community is someone God loves and someone He wants to draw into His family.
Living as Ambassadors
2 Corinthians 5:20 calls us to be “ambassadors for Christ.” This means representing His love, grace, and truth in every area of our lives, including how we interact with immigrants. As ambassadors, we have the privilege of showing others what God’s kingdom looks like—a place of justice, mercy, and welcome.
Immigration is a complex and often divisive issue, but as Christians, we have the privilege of approaching it through the lens of Scripture. By valuing every person as an image-bearer of God, balancing justice and mercy, loving our neighbors, and reflecting His kingdom, we can honor Him in this conversation.
My prayer is that this book has encouraged and challenged you to see immigration not as a problem to solve but as an opportunity to live out your faith. May we, as the body of Christ, be known for our love, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the truth of God’s Word.
A New Beginning
The hot, thick air of Honduras still clung to Rosa's skin as she gazed out of the cramped bus window. The bus rumbled down the dusty roads toward the border. Her husband, Javier, sat beside her, his eyes scanning the landscape, but his thoughts were far away. They had made a difficult decision—to leave everything behind in search of a better life in the United States. Their three children, Marco, Sofia, and little Tomas, were curled up in the back, trying to sleep despite the noise and the uncomfortable ride.
Rosa clutched the rosary that hung from her neck, whispering a prayer under her breath. She was a devout Catholic, a woman who believed in the power of prayer, but even her faith could not ease the ache in her heart. What lay ahead was unknown, filled with uncertainty and danger, but the hope of a better life for her children—more opportunity, a chance to escape poverty and hardship—drove her forward.
"¿Qué piensas?" Javier asked quietly, his voice laced with concern.
"Será difícil," Rosa replied, her voice thick with emotion. "Pero para ellos, vale la pena."
For them, it was worth it. The words were simple, but they carried the weight of a lifetime of struggles, of sacrifices yet to come. They crossed the border with little fanfare, just another family hoping for a chance at something better.
Life in the United States was harder than they had imagined. They found work where they could—Javier as a landscaper, Rosa cleaning homes. The money was good, but the journey to find it had been lonely. Their English was broken, their accents thick, and their legal status made them wary of making too many connections. They often felt like strangers in a strange land, a community that whispered behind their backs, mocking their accents and their broken attempts at communication.
“Did you hear? Another one of them got caught working at that restaurant,” a neighbor would say, voice dripping with judgment.
“They don’t belong here. Why don’t they go back where they came from?” another would add.
But Rosa and Javier remained steadfast. They knew they had come for their children, for a better life, and no amount of ridicule would change that. Their family was together, and in their hearts, that was enough. They had each other, and they had their faith, which sustained them through the long, hard days.
One afternoon, as they walked home from work, a flier fluttered in the wind, catching Rosa's eye. It was a bright, colorful invitation to a church outreach event. "Unete a nosotros. Una nueva vida te espera." Join us. A new life awaits. Rosa hesitated. They had never been to church in the United States, and though they practiced Catholicism back home, they were cautious. But something about the invitation stirred something in her.
That Sunday, they decided to go. When they entered the small church, the sound of laughter and music filled the air, but Rosa was hesitant. They sat quietly in the back, feeling like outsiders, unsure of how they would be received. But then, a woman named Maria came over to them. She smiled warmly, her face full of grace.
"Bienvenidos," Maria said in soft Spanish, her accent comforting. “We're so glad you’re here.”
Rosa nodded, surprised by the warmth in her voice.
Maria introduced them to others at the church, and slowly, Rosa began to feel a sense of peace she hadn’t experienced since arriving in the country. There was no judgment, no mockery, only kindness. The people in the church didn’t see them as immigrants, or as a burden to society—they saw them as fellow human beings, deserving of love and dignity.
Week after week, they returned to the church, feeling more and more at home. They learned about God’s grace and the love of Jesus, something they had heard of but never fully understood. One evening, during a service, Javier looked at Rosa and whispered, “I think I’m ready.”
Rosa nodded, her eyes filled with tears. She, too, was ready. Ready to surrender their lives to Christ, ready to accept the love that had been extended to them. In that moment, surrounded by their new church family, they gave their lives to Jesus.
From that point on, their lives began to change. Rosa and Javier worked hard to get their papers in order. The church helped them navigate the legal process, guiding them through the complexities with patience and care. And when they finally received their green cards, they felt as though a weight had been lifted. They had done things the right way, and their faith had brought them through.
But the story didn’t end there. Rosa and Javier knew they had been given a second chance, a new life in Christ. And they were determined to share that gift with others. They began a ministry to help immigrants in their community—providing counsel, support, and, most importantly, love. They knew what it felt like to be marginalized, to feel like outsiders. But they also knew that the love of Christ could break through any barrier.
They spent their days helping others who, like them, had crossed borders in search of something better. They offered guidance on how to navigate legal challenges, and more importantly, they offered friendship and compassion. They welcomed people into the fold of their church, just as they had once been welcomed.
And as they looked around at the faces of those they had helped, Rosa and Javier knew their journey had not been in vain. Through God’s grace, they had found a new home—one not just in the United States, but in the Kingdom of God. And in doing so, they had become instruments of grace, helping others find the same hope and new life they had found.
It wasn’t just the financial opportunities that had made the struggle worth it—it was the grace, the compassion, and the love of a community that welcomed them with open arms, just as Christ had done.
This is what a disciple of Christ having a biblical worldview sees when they look into the eyes of immigrants; potential for the Kingdom of God.