Do you have a recent immigrant among your family or friends? As part-time resident of Arizona, and also son of an immigrant mother, I have strong opinions about immigration. I am also grandfather to an adopted legal baby girl born of illegal parents, and, God willing, soon will be grandfather to an adopted legal immigrant baby girl. All this has made me consider how God wants us to relate to immigrants, both legal and illegal.
It's tempting to think answers about immigration are all simple, but that's just not true. On the one hand, God's Word speaks to us about the need to welcome and care for the stranger and alien, "For yourselves were once aliens in the land." (Deuteronomy 10:19) On the other, it also says, "Everyone must submit to the governing authorities." (Romans 13:1) Do Christians have one mindset relating to legals and another for illegals? How should we deal with this conflicting problem?
Immigration will happen in our time just as it has always happened. People move so their needs are met, whether for food, fields or freedom. It all began when Adam and Eve moved from the Garden after rebelling against God. People will also move where workers are needed. Europe and the Americas today have such a low birth rates that workers must move in from other people groups. Europe is being filled by Muslim workers and America mostly by Hispanics. Do these people bring only potential problems, or are they also opportunities to show God's grace and share the Gospel?
This spring I've led two Bible studies relating to immigration, and tensions always arise quickly as we discuss issues. We are concerned about our nation. We want our homes and loved ones to be safe. We don't always see the inevitability of migration or the national need for more workers. It is too easy to let our emotions control the conversation because of our vested interests.
I have some questions for you: (1) Is immigration necessary for America because our birthrate is too low to support future economic needs? (2) Who would you rather have crossing our borders, whether legally or not: Hispanics or Muslims? (3) How should we consider those who come: as potential friends and workers or as enemies? (4) What would Jesus say if He were talking to us today about this?
Solutions will be complex and will take time. Our government leaders certainly won't have all the answers. Opinions we hold today may need to change tomorrow. Let's not have our emotions guide the whole discussion. The reality of immigration, whether legal or illegal, will be with us for a lifetime. May God's grace and mercy guide us in word and deed.
"I was a stranger, and you welcomed me." (Jesus speaks in Matthew 25:35)
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