Last year our Spring Seminar focused on uprooted peoples. Participants heard from the speakers about the biblical call to welcome the stranger as one who is native-born.
In one exchange with a congressman, the group challenged him to put these principles into practice. He acknowledged his high regard for the Bible. But, he said, the texts that participants cited are not relevant for our context, with “illegal” immigrants entering a nation-state that has clear boundaries and laws.
The response from Mennonites is often similar. Despite the fact that many Mennonites came to this country as immigrants, we are quick to clarify that our ancestors came here legally.
Of course, this argument ignores certain realities. Our country has made it easier for some immigrants to enter than others. Many who apply legally face incredibly long waiting lists. And dire poverty drives many to do what they would not under other circumstances.
So, how does the Bible apply to this complex issue? Much has already been written on this subject—see the sidebar for some excellent resources. Let me simply suggest some principles to guide us:
1. We are called to be hospitable to the stranger (Deuteronomy 24:17–22; Matthew 5:46–48; Matthew 25:31–46). A friend of mine decided that hospitality is the opposite of violence.
I would add that it is also the opposite of fear, as hospitality can involve vulnerability and even risk.
2. We are called to obey government authorities, so long as they are serving their proper function of providing order and upholding just laws (Romans 13:1–7).
On this basis, Christians should abide by immigration policies that are realistic and just. We should support provisions which allow opportunities to legally immigrate to this country.
3. We are called to speak out against government policies when they run counter to God’s teachings (Acts 5:27–29).
There will inevitably be disagreements, of course, when it comes to deciding which immigration policies violate God’s law. For starters, let me suggest that militarized borders—complete with high walls, fighter jets and helicopters — go against both the biblical call to compassion and the call to place our security in God’s hands alone.
4. God’s love transcends ethnicity, income level, nationality and legal status (Acts 2:1–12; Galatians 3:28).
Current policies favor wealthy, well-educated immigrants. There are also significant racial disparities in how policies are carried out, backed up by stereotypes of “who is an immigrant” in this country. We must speak out against discrimination and selective application of laws.
5. The identity of sojourner (Hebrews 11:13–16; 1 Peter 2:11) is fundamental for us as Christians.
While it is right to make ourselves at home in the land where God has placed us, we know that at some level, we will always be foreigners. Our Christian faith shapes how we see the world, and that will be different from how others see things. In this way, we can identify with immigrants who leave the familiarity of their homeland.
As the exchange with the congressman made clear, immigration is a controversial issue even within our congregations. But my prayer is that we will stay engaged in the discussion and that we will keep the One whose family fled to Egypt at the center of the debate.
