The political solutions to illegal immigration seem obvious to most thinking Americans: build a fence and patrol it with either the military or more border security, implement some form of guest worker program to allow the work of many to continue legally, and enforce the laws we already have on the books regarding immigration, citizenship, etc. However, as people who live in border states would be quick to tell you, things are a little more complex than most of us realize.
While we hope our leaders come up with a workable solution, I wonder what we as individuals should think about our “illegal” neighbors; people who may work hard, have families, and hope for a bright future in America. What would Jesus say to us about these people?
First, Jesus would remind us that we should love all people, legal or not. Just because a person isn’t here on our terms, and though we may resent the overall principle of continued illegal immigration, we have to look at people as people: created in God’s image for God’s purpose, and in need of God’s love. We aren’t superior. We should never look down on immigrants, but “in humility consider others better than ourselves” (Phil. 2:3-4). Is that your attitude toward migrant workers? Loving our neighbors as we love ourselves doesn’t stop at the border! Remember the Golden Rule? Do unto others what you would have them do unto you.
Second, Jesus would remind us that doing things for people in need is really our way of doing things for him. Jesus’ parable of the “Sheep and the Goats” in Matthew 25 teaches that when we help needy people, we are rewarded as if we helped Jesus himself. Now, I don't believe this means the government should be the helping hand - I think you and I should. Helping illegals in need does present an interesting legal dilemma for Christians, especially if the “help” we offer enables them to continue breaking the law. I suppose we will need to seek God’s wisdom and do the right thing, regardless of the consequences. What the “right thing” would actually be is an interesting thought to chew on.
Third, Jesus would surely remind us that we must be a light to all nations. That’s the whole reason we’re still on earth today. Immigration (legal or not) presents an incredible opportunity to share the truth of the Bible with people across the world. Think about it: churches spend millions of dollars a year to send people overseas to share the truth about Jesus, but through immigration people from other nations are moving in next door! If families come to America and hear about the love of God, they can pass that on to their friends back home, multiplying the effect of the gospel. Regardless of whether we agree that these people should be allowed to remain in the country, why not make opportunities to befriend and share Christ with them while we have the chance?
In Exodus 22:21, God says to Israel, “Do not oppress foreigners in any way. Remember, you yourselves were once foreigners in the land of Egypt.” (NLT) In Deuteronomy 10, God even declares that we must “show love” for foreigners. How relevant for Americans! Remember, our great-grandparents were “immigrants” at one time, seeking a better life for themselves and their children.
Let’s not lose that perspective.
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I originally wrote this article for publication in the M.I. Sun Times. It also appeared in CitizenUSA.
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