Biblical Reasons for Helping Immigrants

Is there an undercurrent in the US that demeans foreigners among us? Do we cross the street to avoid them? Are we afraid they’ll hurt us? Are we afraid they’ll take our jobs?

What does Scripture say about treatment of immigrants (often referred to as sojourners)?

Well, there are tons of examples. Here are a few:

“There shall be one law for the native and for the stranger who sojourns among you.” Exodus 12:49

“When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.” Leviticus 19:33-34

“You shall not oppress a sojourner. You know the heart of a sojourner, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt.” Exodus 23:9

“‘Cursed be anyone who perverts the justice due to the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’” Deuteronomy 27:19

“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Hebrews 13:2

“For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:14

Pretty clear.

And saying “There are just too many of them,” isn’t mentioned in Scripture.