Immigration has been a reality for as long as people have existed.
People have always moved in search of safety, food, and opportunity.
But what does the Bible say about immigrants?
Does God have an opinion on how we should treat those who come from other lands?
The answer is a resounding yes—and it’s a topic woven throughout Scripture.
Let’s explore what the Bible teaches about immigrants and how we can apply these lessons today.
God’s Love Extends to All Nations
The Bible makes one thing clear: God loves all people, no matter where they come from.
In Genesis 12:1-3, God calls Abraham to leave his homeland and promises to make him the father of a great nation.
But that promise isn’t just for Abraham’s family—it’s for all nations.
All peoples on earth will be blessed through you, God says.
That means God’s love isn’t just for one group—it’s for everyone.
In Acts 10:34-35, Peter learns this truth firsthand.
After seeing a vision from God, he realizes, God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears Him and does what is right.
The message is simple: God cares about all people, no matter their nationality.
The Israelites Were Once Immigrants
The Bible reminds us over and over that the Israelites were once immigrants themselves.
In Exodus 22:21, God gives this command:
Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt.
God is telling His people to remember their past.
They were once strangers in a land that wasn’t their own.
They suffered under Pharaoh’s harsh rule, and God doesn’t want them to treat others the same way.
This idea is repeated in Leviticus 19:34:
The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt.
God isn’t just asking for kindness—He’s asking for love.
The Israelites knew what it was like to be outsiders.
God wanted them to take that experience and use it to show compassion to others.
Jesus Was an Immigrant
When we think of Jesus, we often picture Him teaching, healing, or walking on water.
But have you ever thought about the fact that Jesus was once a refugee?
In Matthew 2:13-15, Joseph and Mary flee to Egypt with baby Jesus to escape King Herod’s wrath.
They leave their homeland behind to protect their child.
Jesus, the Son of God, experienced what it’s like to be a stranger in a foreign land.
He knows what it feels like to be displaced, uncertain, and in need of refuge.
That alone should make us think differently about immigrants today.
When we welcome the stranger, we are welcoming Jesus Himself.
How Should We Treat Immigrants?
The Bible is full of instructions on how to treat immigrants.
God calls His people to show kindness, justice, and mercy to those from other lands.
In Deuteronomy 10:18-19, we read:
He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing.
And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt.
God isn’t just watching how we treat the poor or the widow—He’s also watching how we treat immigrants.
And He expects us to treat them with love and care.
In Jeremiah 22:3, the Lord commands:
Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow.
Justice matters to God.
He wants us to protect immigrants, not harm them.
In Malachi 3:5, God warns against those who mistreat foreigners, listing them among sorcerers, adulterers, and liars.
Clearly, God takes this issue seriously.
Welcoming the Stranger is a Command, Not an Option
When Jesus was teaching about what it means to follow Him, He spoke about how we should treat others.
One of the most powerful passages is found in Matthew 25:35-40:
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in… Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.
Jesus makes it personal.
When we welcome immigrants, we are welcoming Him.
And when we ignore their needs, we are ignoring Him.
Loving our neighbors—including immigrants—is not optional for Christians.
It’s part of what it means to follow Jesus.
The Story of Ruth: A Foreigner Welcomed by God
The story of Ruth is a beautiful example of how God cares for immigrants.
Ruth was a Moabite woman who left her homeland to live in Israel with her mother-in-law, Naomi.
As a foreigner, she could have been treated with suspicion or rejection.
But instead, she found kindness and favor—especially from Boaz, who allowed her to gather grain in his fields.
Boaz recognized Ruth’s faithfulness and treated her with respect.
Later, she became part of the lineage of Jesus.
This story shows that God not only cares for immigrants—He works through them in powerful ways.
Are There Limits to Helping Immigrants?
Some people wonder if there are limits to how much help should be given to immigrants.
Does the Bible say we should have open borders or strict immigration laws?
While the Bible doesn’t give specific policies, it does provide principles that should guide us.
Compassion should always come first – The Bible repeatedly tells us to care for the vulnerable, including foreigners.
Obeying laws is important – The Bible encourages people to respect the laws of the land (Romans 13:1-7).
Justice and fairness matter – Immigration policies should be fair, just, and uphold human dignity.
Balancing compassion and order is challenging, but God’s heart is always inclined toward mercy and love.
The Church’s Role in Helping Immigrants
The church has a unique role to play in welcoming and helping immigrants.
Throughout history, Christians have provided food, shelter, and community to those in need.
James 1:27 reminds us:
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress.
The church is called to care for the vulnerable—including immigrants.
Many churches today provide legal assistance, language classes, and food programs to help new arrivals.
This is faith in action.
Final Thoughts
The Bible is clear—God cares deeply about immigrants.
He calls His people to love, protect, and welcome those who come from other lands.
Whether we personally know immigrants or not, we have a responsibility to reflect God’s heart.
When we show kindness to strangers, we are showing kindness to Jesus Himself.
May we always choose love, justice, and compassion—because that’s what the Bible teaches us to do.