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How should Christians view illegal immigration? Compassion is essential, but not as a pretext to lawlessness — for governments leaders are commanded by God to protect their citizens, punish wrongdoers, and yes, secure their borders.
The tragic murder of Laken Riley, a 22-year-old American nursing student, by José Antonio Ibarra, an illegal immigrant from Venezuela, exposed the deadly consequences of failed immigration policies.
With illegal border crossings at historic lows, the Laken Riley Act represents a crucial step in restoring national sovereignty and ensuring justice for American citizens. However, the need for comprehensive immigration reform, mass deportations, and vigilance against criminal enterprises remains urgent.
In the 2024 U.S. presidential election, Donald Trump achieved a record 46 percent of the Hispanic vote, a significant increase from the 29 percent he secured in 2016. Notably, 54 percent of Hispanic men voted for Trump, reflecting a substantial shift in this demographic.
This trend indicates that immigration policy has evolved beyond a partisan or even a racial issue, with many legal immigrants and minority communities viewing border security as essential to economic stability and public safety.
A February 2024 Gallup poll revealed that 28 percent of Americans identified immigration as the nation’s most pressing issue, surpassing concerns about the government and the economy.
As national security concerns continue to shape public opinion, Christians are encouraged to approach this issue through a biblical lens. Scripture affirms the necessity of lawful governance and border integrity. While compassion for immigrants is essential, it should not serve as a pretext for endorsing lawlessness.
Illegal immigration remains a national security risk, even as crossings decline. Criminal organizations, including Venezuelan gangs and Mexican cartels, have long exploited weaknesses in border enforcement. In fiscal year 2023, U.S. Border Patrol apprehended 169 individuals on the terror watchlist — a stark reminder of the potential threats that unchecked immigration poses.
Transnational criminal enterprises smuggle drugs, weapons, and human beings across the border, wreaking havoc on American communities. The fentanyl epidemic — fueled by drugs trafficked through the southern border — has devastated thousands of families, with overdose deaths reaching record highs.
Additionally, sanctuary cities continue to defy federal law by sheltering illegal immigrants, including violent offenders. These jurisdictions not only undermine federal authority but also place their citizens in harm’s way.
From a biblical perspective, national security is a God-ordained responsibility of government. Romans 13:1-4 explicitly commands leaders to protect their citizens and punish wrongdoing. A government that neglects border security not only fails its people but abdicates its divine mandate.
A nation without borders is a nation in decline. The erosion of immigration laws emboldens lawlessness and undermines the foundation of justice. Sanctuary city policies, for example, send a dangerous message: that laws can be disregarded without consequence.
Acts 17:26 affirms that God established nations and their boundaries to ensure order and societal flourishing. Enforcing immigration laws is not an act of cruelty — it is an act of justice and necessity. Upholding the rule of law restores trust in government institutions and reassures legal immigrants that their sacrifices in following the proper channels were not in vain.
Illegal immigration continues to strain the nation’s financial resources. The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) estimates that illegal immigration costs American taxpayers $150.7 billion annually, with healthcare, education, and public services bearing the brunt of the burden.
Additionally, illegal labor undercuts American workers, particularly in industries such as construction, agriculture, and hospitality. A February 2024 Monmouth University poll found that 28 percent of Americans believe illegal immigrants take jobs from U.S. citizens, a sentiment that fuels economic and social resentment.
Cultural integration challenges further complicate the issue. Communities in Florida, for instance, have faced difficulties assimilating an influx of Haitian migrants, leading to social tensions and resource strains. Additionally, Venezuelan criminal organizations, such as the Tren de Aragua gang, have established a presence in various U.S. cities, contributing to instability, crime, and anxiety. In October 2024, the Department of Homeland Security identified over 600 migrants in the U.S. with potential ties to this violent Venezuelan gang, underscoring the security concerns associated with illegal immigration.
These factors highlight the multifaceted challenges posed by illegal immigration, encompassing economic burdens, labor market dynamics, and cultural integration issues.
With illegal crossings at historic lows, now is the time to implement lasting reforms that ensure this progress is not reversed. An America First immigration agenda must prioritize the safety and prosperity of American citizens by enacting the following measures:
These measures align with biblical principles of governance, fulfilling the government’s duty to steward its nation’s resources and protect its people (1 Timothy 5:8).
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