Immigration is one of the most emotionally and politically charged topics in America today. For Christians, it brings an added layer of complexity: balancing scriptural teachings on obeying laws, caring for the vulnerable, and confronting perceived political corruption. What should a believer do when the system feels both unjust and unsustainable? And how can one walk the line between compassion and accountability?

Let’s explore what Scripture teaches, how different responsibilities are at play, and where the Church might go from here.

Romans 13: Respecting Government Authority

The Apostle Paul’s instruction in Romans 13:1–7 is clear:

“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God.”

Paul emphasizes the legitimacy of government as a tool to maintain order, punish wrongdoers, and uphold justice. From this perspective, a nation has the right—even the divine responsibility—to secure its borders, enforce immigration laws, and steward its resources.

If laws are in place to prevent unlawful entry, it is not “un-Christian” to expect them to be enforced. It is, in fact, an extension of the biblical principle of order over chaos, justice over exploitation.

The Old Testament: Foreigners and Fairness

At the same time, the Old Testament is saturated with calls to protect and show kindness to the foreigner:

“You shall love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.” (Deuteronomy 10:19)

“Do not oppress a foreigner… You yourselves know how it feels to be foreigners.” (Exodus 23:9)

Ancient Israel was commanded to remember its own experience with slavery and displacement. Foreigners were to be treated with dignity and allowed to benefit from certain protections, such as gleaning food from fields (Leviticus 19:9–10). However, they were also expected to respect Israel’s laws and worship practices. Hospitality did not mean lawlessness.

Jesus and the Stranger

Jesus personally modeled compassion for the outsider—speaking with Samaritans, healing Gentiles, and praising the faith of Roman centurions. His parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10) turns ethnic and social expectations on their head, showing that true neighborly love transcends national or religious boundaries.

He says:

“I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” (Matthew 25:35)

But Jesus did not advocate for anarchy. He told his followers to render to Caesar what was Caesar’s (Matthew 22:21), acknowledging civil authority while placing ultimate moral responsibility on the individual.

Personal Morality vs. Public Policy

This is the critical distinction. As individuals, Christians are called to:

• Show mercy
• Offer hospitality
• Serve others sacrificially

But governments are tasked with:

• Upholding justice
• Enforcing the law
• Protecting national security

The two callings are not at odds—they operate in different spheres. A Christian can simultaneously volunteer to help immigrants legally and expect the government to enforce immigration law. These are not contradictory positions.

The Current Political Tension: Is the System Being Abused?

Many conservatives argue that immigration has become less about compassion and more about political manipulation. They point to:

• Overloaded social programs
• States offering benefits to undocumented immigrants
• Sanctuary policies undermining federal law
• Allegations of voter fraud or undocumented individuals being used to sway elections

While not all such claims are substantiated equally, public trust in the immigration system is low. And when people feel that Democratic leaders ignore border security, abuse tax-funded programs, and allow systemic fraud, it erodes confidence in the rule of law.

The result? Compassion fatigue. When people see the system being gamed, they grow cynical—even toward those truly in need.

A Hopeful Challenge to Believers

Imagine a scenario where:

• Borders are secure.
• Immigration is lawful and organized.
• Fraud and exploitation are curbed.

In that setting, conservative Christians would be in a far better position to act Christlike without feeling taken advantage of. With a stable system, more believers might step forward to:

• Sponsor refugee families
• Support legal immigrants
• Help newcomers integrate into society

It would no longer feel like a moral “trap,” but a genuine opportunity for ministry.

Conclusion: Be Salt, Be Light, and Be Wise

Christian compassion and national security are not enemies. The Bible calls for both mercy and order. It rebukes the proud and unjust, but it also honors the rule of law.

The challenge today is not whether we should care for immigrants—it’s how to do so without compromising justice. If government leaders truly cared about harmony, they would reform the system to make it fair, sustainable, and fraud-resistant. Until then, believers must walk the line: advocating for order, extending mercy to individuals, and praying for a nation that honors both truth and love.