S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

Illegal immigration has become a volatile issue, especially in the U.S. Many have raised their voices passionately in their condemnation of illegal immigration, while others defend it just as ferve...

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July 01 2013 • 17 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Aurel Gheorghe Supporter

First let’s make one thing clear; no child of God is illegal! 

The term “illegal alien,” which is not even a legal term, implies that a person’s existence is criminal, and is based on the misconception that an immigrant's very presence in the US is a criminal violation of the law. While the act of entering the country without inspection is a federal misdemeanor, the status of being present in the United States without a visa is not a criminal violation. 

These immigrants are currently not doing anything that is illegal. Actually, many undocumented immigrants in the US entered lawfully but overstayed their visas. These individuals in legal terms have not committed a criminal offense at all. Their presence in US is only a civil infraction, not a criminal offense. 

Many have recognized that social, economic, religious and political reasons, or to escape violence and war, have forced these individuals to come to US and to criminalize them would ignore basic human rights. (Exodus 22:21; Leviticus 19:33–34; Malachi 3:5; Matthew 25:35).

Just like Jesus (Matthew 2:13-23) many immigrants today are trying to escape religious persecution and find a better life. It is easy to point fingers at undocumented immigrants as law-breakers, and to cite Romans 13 as a justification for our opposition to immigrants; however, most of them are hardworking people trying to provide a future for their families in flight from awful situations back home. 

Jesus in Mark 12:31 said to “Love your neighbor as yourself” regardless if the neighbor has a legal paper in his pocket or not. Just like Abraham (Genesis 23:4), Joseph (Genesis 37:36) or Daniel, we all are strangers in strange land looking forward to our mansion in heaven with Christ (Philippians 3:20).

March 18 2015 • 8 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Emo Tenorio Supporter Shomer

I humbly submit my opinion for your consideration on this very emotionally charged matter for some. (Luke 11:35; John 7:24; John 9:41)

Now if God is sovereign and in control of all that maybe seen, including that which can not be seen, it would be reasonable to assume that He has everything planned out as to where a person is to be born, live and expire as scripture tells us. 

(Isaiah 34:2; Isaiah 46:10; Romans 13:1-2)

ILLEGAL: Prohibited by law or by official or accepted rules.
(Deuteronomy 5:19; Deuteronomy 5:21)

Illegal economic immigrants should not be dealt with differently, nor be persecuted more than any other law breaker (criminal) operating outside of the statues governing such matters. This equal protection under the law provides protection for all CITIZENS. 

Now if statues are illegally or in someway altered via non-enforcement to accommodate others in a nation, over its own CITIZENS who are still required to fellow all its statues, that nation is reduced to nothing more than a banana republic. 
(Galatians 4:16; Hosea 4:6; Luke 11:21)

The past administration’s activism by intruding in both the state and federal legislative jurisdiction with constitutionally illegal executive orders that circumvented lawful statues enacted by the peoples elected Representatives who were expressing their will.
(US et al v Texas et al) (Hosea 5:4; 2 Corinthians 4:2)

The current mayor of New York has said “we shield undocumented drunk drivers from immigration enforcement”. If you're a drunk driver and you're here illegally, why should there be a place for you in this country? The simple answer is illegal immigration is really a secret giant new voter registration drive that generates millions of dollars by leftists who don’t believe in borders or national security via vetting of those who choose to enter our once peaceful country illegally.(Ecclesiastes 10:2; Galatians 4:9)

The deception is to exploit the good-hearted into supporting any position what is immortal or unlawful via slick withering campaigns of coercion and sweet sounding bromides, until you prostrate yourself at todays chosen utopian altar.
(Judges 17:6; Judges 21:25)

Bottom Line:

Leftists love to play the Christianity/morality card back on us. 
In essence, leftists like to use our “Good Samaritan” tendencies to our own detriment. They have always had a strong tendency to be very charitable with your money and now they’d like to be charitable with your life and the lives of those you love. But a truly moral person doesn’t do a kindness at the expense of someone else’s safety or life!

Robbing via “Illegal immigration” another's nation's best and brightest future generations deprives those nations of their very much needed God placed resources to affect the change that HIS plan requires, also does it not appear to be somewhat covertness in it's very nature? (Exodus 20:17; Romans 13:9)

But are we not a “Nation of immigrants” (yes LEGAL) and these legal immigrants conducted their affairs and themselves by the statutory laws that were placed before them, having been set lawfully in place by the Representatives of the people, who were expressing the will of the legal citizens within? (Galatians 4:16)

Consider; Starting from 1968 each year the United States permits one million LEGAL immigrants to enter our land, a number not matched by any other civilized country on the planet, until the refugee invasion of the European continent in 2016. (Isaiah 26:10; Isaiah 33:19)

Currently we are twenty trillion dollars in debt an amount never owed by any nation in history and there are 93-94 million able bodied Americans not working. Disease like tuberculous is on the rise, along with antibiotic resistant strains of others and even LEPROSY has been reported in California, wise people lock their doors for a reason.

The evil one and leftists take delight in muddled thinking, especially your thinking. (2 Corinthians 11:14-15; Isaiah 25:2)

In The Lord's Freedom.........warrior on

February 04 2017 • 11 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Arnaldo Oliveira Phd LAc Supporter

Some people who call themselves Christians have a pharisee-like attitude towards "illegal" immigration. There are a number of biblical passages that would make both sides of the discussion sound strong. However, Jesus came to change all things. What type of attitude would Jesus have towards immigrants who entered this country without authorization? In Matthew 22:36-40, Jesus removes all doubts in what is the most important commandment: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind," and secondly "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself (Also in Mark 12:13). On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." 

Although the laws of the land are important and should be obeyed, Jesus made clear that we must love one another. Therefore, Christians should love the immigrant regardless of legal status.

April 18 2016 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Bonnie Agudelo Supporter

As a (legal) immigrant from South America and now a contributing US citizen, I do not support illegal immigration. There's a passage in the Bible - John 10:1 ""I tell you the truth, anyone who sneaks over the wall of a sheepfold, rather than going through the gate, must surely be a thief and a robber!" I know Jesus was speaking to the Pharisees when He said this, but I think of this verse in terms to immigration. If you don't come in thru the front door, you're breaking in. If someone breaks into my home, I can't imagine having to bear them there, they becoming a burden and cost to me, and then on top of that they start demanding from me. It's not fair that many immigrants go through the proper channels and wait time to come legally, while others come illegally quickly and then demand rights. My heart goes out to illegals, and many of them come to escape very unfortunate situations, but that doesn't make it ok - all have to follow the rules and adhere to them, not come and demand changes. We're (and I include myself) all visitors here, let's respect the law of the land.

September 07 2017 • 6 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Abraham Cantu Supporter

If I remember correct Hitler was murdering Jews in the 1940's Jews were fleeing to countries such Britain, Australia, Switzerland, Palestine were they illegal’s? What would have become of them if they had not migrated to another country? Leviticus 19:33-34 teaches us how we should treat such. 

When laws are not just we have a right to disobey them. There were Laws requiring turning over Jews to the Nazis to be murdered, or turning over Protestants to Catholics to be burned. And examples of the latter would be laws prohibiting Christian worship. Black could not votes as well as women. We should have followed this unjust laws many of these undocumented people are starving in there counties. As a Christian it is our duty to help them. I believe that starvation is a kind of persecution.

The Holy Family traveled from Bethlehem to Egypt, escaping from Herod. They were immigrants as well. Countries and boundaries are manmade. Racial tensions and countries' boundaries are not the work of God, but of man. Jesus would want us all to live in harmony together, with people of different colors, cultures and backgrounds, all connected by Christ. To Jesus there is no such thing as an "illegal immigrant." God doesn't concern himself with nations and governments but the entire world as a whole. 
It is man that is concern with the undocumented not because he commits a crime or not it is mostly because he or she racial motivated. In Luke 14:12-14 Jesus explains how we should treat the poor many of the undocumented live in poverty. And there is the other world problem the Muslim refugee well Muslims are loved by God in the same way that He loves all people. Like all humans, Muslims are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27). Like all humans, Muslims sin and fall short of God's glory (Romans 3:23). Like all humans, God loved them so much that He sent His son, so that those who believe in Jesus will have eternal life (John 3:16).

July 07 2017 • 2 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Danny Hickman Supporter Believer in The Gospel Of Jesus Christ

How should a Christian respond to illegal aliens/ immigrants?

To imagine that we as believers in the Lord Jesus the Christ (Christian sounds like a political label to me), should have one opinion concerning ANY social or political matter is to stretch your imagination to its fullest extent. The one sure thing we as born again believers have in common for sure is that we have been forgiven of sin and have started a new life in Christ. Beyond that, we are as different as we ever were and I, for one, wouldn't have it any other way.

I will never agree with the people who are my brothers and sisters in Christ who go hard against people who break border laws. If I was in a country where I was having a difficult time trying to keep my head above water, I would do what I need to do to make a better life for myself regardless of some trivial border law. Violence is the deal breaker for me. Theft of other's property is another one. Absent of that type of offense, I have no problem supporting people looking for a place to "water their horses." What do you do, let the horses go thirsty? 

To my brothers and sisters in Christ who say ' the Bible says we are to submit to the governing authorities,' I say ' the Bible is not to be understood the way you would an employee hand book on company policy.'
That's how some of the answers I read here on this site sound to me when the question is more political than theological in its aim or purpose. 

Immigration is a political social consideration not a theological affair. If you try hard enough, you can use scripture to justify almost anything on the one hand, and then prohibit the same thing in the next breath. The Word of God was not intended for such a use. Romans 13 can be used to quiet rebellion against horrible injustices all in the name of supposedly "honoring the will and word of God." Romans 13 was not written to that church in Rome for that purpose, and neither was it intended to be handed down to us with such a goal in view. To escape poverty, persecution, sickness, disease, unemployment, depression, fear, violence, abuse, confusion, and other such entanglements and complications, is in keeping with God's will for those He cares for and loves. There's no way to twist scripture and come up with an acceptable way to deny a believer the ethical right to God's promise to 'Deliver the righteous out of all of his many afflictions' (Psalm 34:19).

From front cover to back the Bible teaches those who are willing to listen, that God doesn't hold to a strict code of standards and requirements at all costs, no matter the hurt and harm of it all. If He did, Jesus would have been the first one to throw a stone at the lady of John 8 caught in adultery, He being "He who is without sin." 

There are many born again believers who disagree with my political views on these matters, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Diversity is healthy. As long as we agree on who gives us new life, we are as unified as we need to be.

July 19 2017 • 3 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jennifer Rothnie Supporter Housewife, Artist, Perpetually Curious

When dealing with controversial matters of Earthly nations and kingdoms, it often helps to look at God's kingdom. While it will not be a perfect match in every way, especially considering that God is perfect while man is fallible, there are a number of insights that Scripture can give in regard to the issue of people entering nations illegally or illegally overstaying their visas:

#1 - God offers a way for all people to enter His kingdom.

The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ have given a way for all men to come to the Father and be adopted as sons into His kingdom. (John 3:16, Eph 2:11-13, Rom 6:4-5, I Col 1:22-23, II Tim 1:10, Rom 5:20-21, I Cor 15:50-52, etc.) 

From this, we can take the general principle that it is gracious for a country to have a method of entry for foreigners.

#2 - For those who dislike the offered way, entrance is hard as it will take humbly submitting to the guidelines.

"The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, "Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God!" Mk 10:24

""Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it." Matt 7:13

From this, we can take the principle that it is acceptable for a country to set the guidelines by which others may enter, even if it is not the method they would personally prefer.

#3 Entrance to God's kingdom is not restricted to just one ethnicity or class.

God's kingdom is not restricted to those of Jewish heritage or a specific ethnicity or social class, but to Jew and Gentile alike, slave or free, etc.
(Gal 4:21-31, Rom 9:6-8, Gal 3:27-29, etc.)

From this, we can take the general guideline that a country should ideally be open to applicants from all classes and races.

#4 Not everyone will get into God's kingdom.

The majority of people will not get to enter the kingdom of God. (Jn 3:18, Matt 25:31-46, Matt 7:13-14, etc.)

From this we can take the general principle that it is up to the country to set guidelines for entry and that there is no mandate that these guidelines be constructed so that the majority of applicants will get in. Violation of guidelines reflects poorly on the applicants, not the grace of the country in allowing entry.

#5 There will come a time when the entrance to God's kingdom is closed.

Though many will deliberately reject entry in the kingdom while alive, they may later change their minds and wish for entry. Yet God's kingdom will not always be open to new people. (Lk 16:22-26, Rev 20:13-15)

From this, we can take a general principle that it is acceptable for a country to block entry entirely; the offer of entry, to begin with, is grace, not an obligation.

#6 Those who do not enter by the gate are thieves and robbers.

God's kingdom has a gate - Christ, or more properly faith in Christ. Only thieves and robbers try and enter another way. (Jn 10:7-10) Those who do not follow the rules of the kingdom (putting on Christ's righteousness by faith) will be tossed out (Matt 22:11-13)

From these examples and others, we can take the principle that those who seek to enter a kingdom outside the offered way have no right to enter the kingdom, and may be subject to punishment by the country.

#7 It is not unloving of God to only offer one way of rescue.

God understands that conditions for sinners are difficult and lead to death, so offers rescue leading to eternal life. (Col 1:21-23, Rom 27:24-25) Yet even so, He only offers one way of deliverance (faith in Christ) - even though many will stumble over that method (Rom 9:32-33).

From this, we can take the principle that it is acceptable for a kingdom to offer only one way, and restrict entry to those violating or not meeting the guidelines, without any mark on the justice or love of the country. Entry is based on the grace of the country and not on a natural right of foreigners to enter.

July 20 2017 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Tim Maas Supporter Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

As the husband of a legal immigrant (now a U.S. citizen), whose entry into the United States and subsequent naturalization involved considerable expenditure of time, effort, and money on the part of both of us, I bear no personal ill will toward those who enter the country illegally, particularly those who do so as the result of persecution or war, or in consideration of the risks that they are taking just from the journey itself.

However, there are laws and established procedures that have been duly enacted in our country by democratically-elected representatives who did so with knowledge of the plight of such people; of the conditions that lead to their illegal entry; and of threats facing our country, and I believe those laws and procedures should be respected on the part of all (just as my wife and I did), and enforced against those who break them.

If there are aspects of those laws that are found to be systematically unfair and/or inadequate in their implementation (such as the number of individuals authorized entry into the United States over specific time periods or from specific countries, or the conditions under which immigrants are allowed legal entry), they should be properly changed. But, until then, there should be enforced consequences (including deportation) for disobedience.

July 07 2017 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Bob Wier Supporter Ordained 6-25-2017

I am a descendant, 13th generation, from William Brewster on my father's mother's side of the family. William Brewster, for those who may not know, came over on the Mayflower and was eventually the head of the church in the 13 colonies. 

He had to leave England you see because he broke a cardinal rule of law against both the Church of England, which in turn, broke the law of the crown. His crime? He held a bible study in his home.

He then compounded his crime when he was secretly snuck out of England. It was illegal to enter or leave the country without express permission of the crown.

He also became even more notorious as a traitor to the crown when the colonies rebelled. History is written by the winners, otherwise it would've recorded the trials and subsequent death sentences of our forefathers. Yes, they broke the laws, rebelling against church and state.

William Brewster was a wanted man in England, for treason against the crown and heresy against God and the Church of England, and wanted posters were put up in London for his arrest.

So think about that, especially as Christians, the next time you tell God not to bring someone into your influence, someone God may have every intention of sharing His love with through you as He speaks to them of the gospel of salvation of our Lord Jesus Christ. Someone who may have had to escape persecution to come here, the United States of America, one nation under God. Just like our forefathers did.

September 08 2017 • 3 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

David Hosford Supporter

Jesus always, without exception, supported the poor, the widows, the orphans, and the children. In this day, Jesus would support those who travel to gain a chance to live and to work. Remember Abram, who traveled for God's will? Remember Jonah, who endured hardship precisely until he traveled for God's will? Today, those who travel to America for life and for work are doing precisely the same. God would have them do so, and Jesus is their advocate. Amen.

September 07 2017 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Ray Martinez Supporter Rtr. Police Sgt & Fmr Mayor of Ft Collins, CO & b-study tchr

We can all love each other because we are God's creation even those who are here illegally in our country. They must comply with the law, yet we can still love them. What's so hard about that? The problem is our legislators have not made a clear-cut decision but only has added confusion to the country. Please read Psalms 75 verse 6 + 7

September 08 2017 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Tendai Mutunhire Supporter

The Pharisees bring to Jesus not just a person who had done an illegal deed according to the laws of the Israelite nation, but strictly judged to death under the law of Moses - a woman caught in adultery, in the act! (John 8)

Under U.S. or indeed, any nation's laws as they exist today, illegal immigration is not a capital offence. 

By any indication, you have to admit that the woman's offence was much more serious under the law, judged to death by public stoning. Illegal immigration might only warrant a stint in jail, deportation, fines, or all of the above. But stoning? Only in a vindictive Islamic Sharia law country. Is that what you recommend?

And so, we have established which is the greater offence here under the law.

And yet, let's determine how Jesus Christ deals with that.

He forgives the woman!

"Woman, thy sins are forgiven thee. Go, and sin no more."

Incredible. Yet this is the great character to which we are to aspire as Christians.

So be angry all you want about illegal aliens, and maybe even stone them if you want, but in so doing, you depart from the merciful judgement of our Lord, who rains His rain on both the good and the evil.

Let the police police illegal aliens, but if they should be hungry and dying, stretch forth a hand with food. You can call the police on them if you like, I think that's perfectly within your legal rights, but don't let them die of starvation on your doorstep. If you do so, it will be a blight on your character as a son of God. And the Son of God Himself, Jesus Christ, already showed us how we are to treat all, even the wicked, who are brought to us in their sins.

But do not befriend illegal aliens to become an accomplice of their illegality. Feed and pray for them, as necessary, for God also feeds them, is He guilty of abetting criminals? No, but he gives mercy, both to those who do good, and to those who do evil. But take no part in their deeds and actions. And always abide by the law yourself. As you do so, you shine forth the praises of Him who has raised us from the death of our sins, which were against Himself, but took the weight of our sins on Him, that we might become a new generation that shines His holiness.

September 08 2017 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Emmanuel Yarquah Supporter

That's the Word of God to His people/the church.
Human beings have been migrating since the time of Adam, that's why God out of His wisdom instructed His people (Israelites) who represent the church to allot portions of the land to them to foreigners/strangers/aliens etc living amongst them. So if America claims to "TRUST in God" as it appears on your currency, then remember the foreigners living in your midst. It's a decree of the Lord for Christians ie the church to provide/protect the interests of aliens. 

Exodus 22:21 Douay-Rheims bible.
Thou shalt not molest a stranger, nor afflict him: for yourselves also were strangers in the land of Egypt. 

Lev 19:34 New American Standard 1977
‘The stranger who resides with you shall be to you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.

Ezekiel 47:13-14 Messenger bible
(Divide Up This Land)
A Message from God, the Master: 
"These are the boundaries by which you are to divide up the inheritance of the land for the twelve tribes of Israel, with Joseph getting two parcels. It is to be divided up equally. I swore in a solemn oath to give it to your ancestors, swore that this land would be your inheritance.....

21-23 “Divide up this land among the twelve tribes of Israel. (Please take note here) Divide it up as your inheritance, and include in it the resident aliens who have made themselves at home among you and now have children. Treat them as if they were born there, just like yourselves. They also get an inheritance among the tribes of Israel. In whatever tribe the resident alien lives, there he gets his inheritance. Decree of God, the Master.”

So I expect true Christians to stand up for aliens because the God we serve recognises aliens.
Thanks

September 07 2017 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

frances Keene Supporter

In reading responses, most are taking a political view, I think).
The question is "illegal". Not all foreigners are illegal. I think anyone who comes in this country illegally should be deported. 
You read of stories of people who have been here ten years and twenty years. Children who came over illegally and are now grown but still not citizens. In all of these years, did you ever think about getting your citizenship, or one for your children? Ever? I am a Christian I am not quoting Scripture but using common sense.

September 08 2017 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

RICK PORTER Supporter Chaplain [ Truckers Chapel ]-- Undeserving Child of God

I know this in some form is just semantics, but the phraseology ' "undocumented" doesn't explain away the fact that people who ignore a country's right to control its legitimate right to decide who is a citizen and who isn't because of the privileges that come with that designation are breaking laws.

People who illegally come into any country, should not be rewarded by granting their children citizenship just because the children didn't have a chose in the matter from the onset.

I believe we as Christians should view the situation with compassion and because of the years of ignoring any true solutions, it has caused heartache for all involved but just saying undocumented instead of illegal doesn't change the fact it is unlawful.

Much prayer and care should be rendered by Christians in this matter Philippians 4:6 and we should show love to all involved.

September 08 2017 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report