As Christians, we are called to love our neighbors and welcome the strangers among us. This mandate is deeply rooted in the teachings of Jesus and the Bible, and it provides a powerful foundation for addressing the complex issue of immigration with compassion and justice. In the current political climate, where immigration policies are often debated with a focus on security and legality, it is crucial to remember our Christian duty to uphold the dignity and rights of all individuals, especially those seeking refuge and a better life.
Embracing Our Biblical Call
The Bible emphasizes the importance of caring for the foreigner. Jesus highlights that our treatment of strangers is a reflection of our treatment of Christ himself. These scriptures remind us that our ancestors were once immigrants, and our nation has thrived due to the contributions of those who sought a better life on our shores. We are called to extend the same compassion and hospitality that we would hope to receive if we were in their position.
"When strangers sojourn with you in your land, you shall not do them wrong. The strangers who sojourn with you shall be to you as the natives among you, and you shall love them as yourself; for you were strangers in the land of Egypt" (Leviticus 19:33-34).
The Moral Duty to Stand with Immigrants
The current debate on immigration is not just a legal or economic issue; it is a deeply moral one. The Gospel mandate to love our neighbor and welcome the stranger compels the Church to care for and stand with immigrants, both documented and undocumented. This includes advocating for their basic protections, such as due process rights, access to public benefits, and fair opportunities for naturalization and legalization.
Bishop William H. Willimon of the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church poignantly reminds us, "If Egypt, for all of its pagan limits, had not received Jesus, Mary, and Joseph and protected them, then our salvation would have been jeopardized." This historical perspective underscores the profound impact that welcoming the stranger can have on our faith and salvation.
Churches and Faith-Based Groups as Beacons of Hope
Faith-based organizations and churches have long been at the forefront of supporting immigrant communities. They provide essential services, such as humanitarian aid, education, and social services, regardless of the immigrants' legal status. This aligns with the teachings of Jesus, who called us to care for the least among us.
However, recent legislative proposals threaten to criminalize not only undocumented immigrants but also those who aid them. This would unjustly penalize modern-day Good Samaritans and undermine the very principles of compassion and service that our faith teaches.
"Part of the mission of the Roman Catholic Church is to help people in need. It is our Gospel mandate in which Christ instructs us to clothe the naked, feed the poor, and welcome the stranger,” Cardinal Roger Mahoney of the Los Angeles Archdiocese said. “Providing humanitarian assistance to those in need should not be made a crime as the House bill decrees.”
Tackling the Roots of Migration with Compassion
A truly moral immigration policy must also address the root causes of migration. Efforts to stem migration without tackling the underlying political, social, and economic inequities will only perpetuate the cycle of suffering and displacement. We must advocate for policies that promote justice and equity both domestically and internationally.
As the United States Conference of Catholic Bishop stated, "The Gospel mandate to love our neighbor and welcome the stranger leads the Church to care for and stand with immigrants both documented and undocumented. While affirming the right and responsibility of sovereign nations to control their borders and to ensure the security of their citizens.”
Our Christian Duty to Uphold Dignity and Justice
We as Christians have a unique perspective and a profound responsibility in the immigration debate. Our faith calls us to see every person as a child of God, deserving of dignity, respect, and compassion. We must advocate for just and humane immigration policies that reflect these values and honor our biblical mandate to welcome the stranger.
Pope John Paul II emphasized, "The Church in America must be a vigilant advocate defending against any unjust restriction the natural right of individual persons to move freely within their own nation and from one nation to another. Attention must be called to the rights of migrants and their families and to respect for their human dignity even in cases of non-legal immigration." This powerful statement highlights the moral imperative to protect the rights and dignity of all immigrants.
By doing so, we not only uphold the teachings of Christ but also contribute to a more just and compassionate society, where all individuals, regardless of their origin, can pursue the American Dream and live with dignity. Let us be guided by our faith and commit to protecting and standing with our immigrant brothers and sisters, for in them, we see the face of Christ.