Christian View on Immigration: Faith, Scripture & Compassionate Action

Immigration is a deeply charged global issue - politically, socially, and morally. Christians are often confronted with questions such as:

  • What does the New Testament teach about foreigners?
  • How should believers respond to illegal or legal immigrants?
  • Are immigrants and refugees included in biblical mandates?
  • Which Bible verses apply to immigration and refuge?

This article unpacks those questions through biblical teachings, theological insights, and faith-based practical action, including Christian-led ministries helping immigrants today.


1. Biblical Foundation: What Scripture Says About Immigrants & Foreigners

The Old and New Testaments overlay Scripture with consistent directives: care for strangers, welcome foreigners, and seek justice.

Old Testament Mandates

  • Leviticus 19:33‑34: "Treat residents as native-born; love them as yourself."
  • Deuteronomy 10:18‑19: "God… loves the foreigner, giving them food and clothing."
  • Exodus 22:21 / 23:9: "Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt."
  • Zechariah 7:9‑10: "Administer true justice; show mercy… Do not oppress the foreigner."
  • Leviticus 19:9‑10: Leave gleanings in your field for the foreigner, orphan, and widow.

These commands repeatedly connect justice, hospitality, and remembrance of Israel's own suffering in Egypt. Loving the immigrant wasn’t optional - it was a covenantal requirement.


2. New Testament Insight: Hospitality & the Race of Faith

Jesus and the apostles shift the call toward embrace and inclusion.

  • Matthew 2:13‑15 – Jesus’ family was political refugees in Egypt.
  • Luke 10:25‑37 – The Good Samaritan exemplifies loving across ethnic and religious barriers.
  • Matthew 25:35‑40 – "I was a stranger and you welcomed me… whatever you did for the least, you did for me."
  • Hebrews 13:1‑2 – Offer hospitality; you might serve angels unaware.
  • Ephesians 2:19 – Gentiles are no longer strangers, but fellow citizens in God's household.
  • 1 Peter 4:9, Romans 12:13, 3 John 1:5‑8 – Repeated calls to hospitality and care for strangers.
  • Galatians 3:28, Colossians 3:11 – In Christ, ethnic, social, and religious divisions are broken down.

These passages show that foreigners and sojourners are welcomed, protected, and even celebrated within God’s people.


3. What Does the New Testament Say About Immigration?

While the New Testament doesn’t mention modern border policies, it lays down principles of inclusion, grace, and unity:

  • Breaking down “us vs. them” barriers (Ephesians 2).
  • Embracing vulnerable travelers - Jesus himself, in the manger and wilderness, was once a refugee.
  • Encouraging believers to radically love, not legislate, immigrants by example (Matthew 25).

It paints a lasting vision: Jesus identified with the immigrant, positioning their care as a reflection of discipleship.


4. Is Racism Against Foreigners Sin? Are Foreigners Included in Racism?

Yes—any form of devaluing humans because of origin or ethnicity is sinful.

  • Partiality (favoritism) is condemned in James 2:1‑9.
  • Racism is a sin of law-breaking and hate (1 John 4:20, Proverbs 17:5).
  • Mistreating “the other” - foreigners, refugees, undocumented immigrants - is not just a civic error, but a spiritual failure.


5. Illegal vs. Legal Immigration: What Does the Bible Say?

While Scripture doesn’t use modern legal terms, it speaks to two enduring principles:

  1. Justice and Loving the Sojourner (Long-term care and inclusion).
  2. Respect for Authority (1 Peter 2:13‑17; Romans 13:1‑7).

These can complement each other. Compliance with laws and compassion toward undocumented people aren’t mutually exclusive. A balanced Christian response may include:

  • Encouraging legal pathways where possible.
  • Praying for just laws and humane application.
  • Showing mercy to those in need, regardless of paperwork.


6. Christian Perspective on Illegal Immigrants

Christians often differ on minutes vs. motive. The heart posture is key:

  • Some argue for strict law enforcement, referencing Romans 13.
  • Others emphasize mercy and grace, citing Jesus’ example at boundaries.
  • A balanced view: Obey the law, but fight unjust enforcement that harms families and persecutes the oppressed.

Most Christians agree that when laws criminalize mercy - like separating children from parents, the they must resist through prayer, advocacy, and sanctuary.


7. Christian Organizations Helping Immigrants

From local churches to global nonprofits, Christians are active on multiple fronts:

  • Sanctuary congregations (e.g., 100+ in the Bay Area): offer spiritual, legal, and financial support to undocumented immigrants.
  • Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC): nationwide legal aid rooted in Gospel values.
  • Franciscan Action Network: advocates immigration reform, justice, and family unity.
  • World Relief and Exodus Refugee Immigration: global refugee resettlement and local support.
  • Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA) & Annunciation House: provide shelter, aid to refugees at the U.S.–Mexico border.

These ministries exemplify faith in action, upholding biblical values through advocacy, legal help, resettlement, and hospitality.


8. What Does the Bible Say About Foreigners in Your Land?

The message is clear and consistent: Treat them as native-born, love them, show justice and mercy, welcome and protect them.

  • Leviticus 19:33–34 – as citizens
  • Deuteronomy 27:19 – cursing the unjust
  • Jeremiah 22:3 – calling justice
  • Exodus 22:21, Leviticus 25:35, Psalm 146:9 – caring and provision
  • Hebrews 13:2 – hospitality to strangers

These commandments weren’t historical footnotes—they’re enduring ethical imperatives.


9. Bible Verses for Immigration Breakthrough

If you’re seeking prayer guidance or inspiration, consider these verses:

  • Deuteronomy 10:18–19 – God defends and loves the foreigner.
  • Leviticus 19:9–10 – Provision for hungry and displaced.
  • Matthew 25:35‑40 – Kingdom breakthrough through kindness to strangers.
  • Ephesians 2:19 – Breaking down walls.
  • Hebrews 13:1‑2 – Blessing through hospitality.
  • Romans 12:13 – Share with those in need.

10. Practical Christian Response to Immigration

  1. Learn Scripture about justice, hospitality, and care.
  2. Pray for migrants, lawmakers, and open hearts.
  3. Serve locally: volunteer with the church or ministries supporting refugees and migrants.
  4. Advocate for humane and fair policies at local, national, and global levels.
  5. Welcoming newcomers personally—invite them into your home, share a meal.
  6. Support ethically: Donate to Christian organizations engaged in legal aid and resettlement.
  7. Educate your community: Host workshops or sermons rooted in Scripture.


People Also Ask

Christian perspective on illegal immigrants?

Christians believe laws should be respected, but unjust or harmful laws should be challenged with mercy and truth, following Jesus’ example.

What does the Bible say about immigrants and refugees?

Scripture repeatedly calls believers to welcome, care for, and love those who are strangers or displaced.

What Bible verses encourage immigration breakthroughs?

Verses like Leviticus 19:34, Matthew 25:35, and Ephesians 2:19 offer spiritual fuel to pray for justice, inclusion, and systemic change.


The Christian message on immigration is not built on fear or partisanship - it’s built on identity: we were once outsiders; we bear God’s image; we belong to the Body of Christ. This foundation reshapes our engagement:

  • From political stances to moral commitments
  • From fear of the other to faithful hospitality
  • From division to the global unity of the Gospel

As believers, we stand at a crossroads. May our response to immigrants and refugees be marked not by convenience, but by compassion, courage, and conviction.


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