What does the Bible say about the deportation of illegal immigrants?

An illegal immigrant (also called an illegal alien) is a person who is in a country without legal permission. Deportation is the forced removal of someone who is in a country illegally. In the United States and around the world, people debate immigration and deportation laws.

The Bible mentions foreigners and travelers in several passages (Leviticus 19:33–34; Numbers 15:15–16). However, it doesn’t address illegal immigration as a legal category. Christians may find it difficult to balance the Bible’s call to obey the law (Romans 13:1–2) and to have compassion for those in need (Deuteronomy 10:18). Yet Scripture calls believers to do both.

Governments have good reasons to enforce immigration laws, such as security. Yet Christians who believe a law is unjust can respond in peaceful ways. Examples of this include voting, protesting, and petitioning. However, acts of violence, including assault, vandalism, and attacking police officers, are morally wrong.

Important questions require careful phrasing. Asking, “Should illegal immigrants be deported?” is like asking, “Should lawbreakers be put in jail?” Both questions are too broad to answer because individual cases vary. For example, the law says improper entry is a crime, and that unlawful presence is a civil violation. It also separates those who are barred from entry and those who are removable afterwards. Legal decisions may involve factors such as due process, criminal history, or whether a person is likely to depend on public assistance. Some cases allow for faster deportation, while others require an extended review. A biblical approach must take these challenges into consideration. It must also be aware that people on different sides of the debate may have sincere reasons for their views.

Discussions of debated issues should begin with objective truths. First, laws exist for a reason. The term “illegal immigration” refers to people being in a country in violation of its laws. Changing the language used to describe an action does not change the reality of the matter (Colossians 2:8; 2 Timothy 2:14). Calling drug dealers “undocumented pharmacists” doesn’t change what they do. “Unauthorized shopping” is still stealing. The rule of law requires a government to enforce its statutes (Romans 13:4).

Second, every immigrant, illegal or otherwise, bears God’s image (Genesis 1:27). There are no exceptions to this (Psalm 139:14–16; Revelation 7:9). In countries with strict laws, penalties for violating immigration rules can be severe. The main character of the classic novel Les Misérables is an example of this. He is sentenced to five years of hard labor for stealing bread for his sister’s starving children. An additional fourteen years are added to his sentence for various escape attempts. The reader recognizes the injustice and cruelty of the character’s treatment.

Third, every nation regulates its borders. Borders are “open” only when neighboring territories agree they should be. Some countries’ immigration laws are stricter than others. Although some don’t discriminate, others reject certain religions, races, or ethnicities. Most countries’ laws offer easier entry for those under persecution. Penalties for violating immigration laws can be severe in “closed” nations that have strict policies. Overall, border control is neither new nor extreme.

The Bible calls on believers to care for widows, orphans, and the poor (James 1:27). It says foreigners and sojourners are in the same category. Specifically, it forbids mistreating them (Exodus 22:21; 23:9; Leviticus 19:33; Deuteronomy 24:17). The Bible also teaches that the law should provide equal protection for both citizens and foreigners (Leviticus 24:22; Numbers 15:15–16). In addition, race and ethnicity should not be a factor (see Galatians 3:28).

Christians may disagree on when deportation is the right thing to do. They may also disagree on how governments should enforce laws. These controversies should be handled with grace. All believers should reject extreme views in favor of speaking truth in love (Ephesians 4:5). Christians should do this with an informed and humble attitude (Proverbs 18:17; Romans 14:19).

Deporting a person who is in the country illegally is biblically valid. Claiming that every deportation is wrong is contrary to the principles of Scripture. Compassion does not require a nation to reward violations of the law. At the same time, the Bible does not teach that deporting every illegal immigrant is always wise or just. It also doesn’t justify unethical tactics to enforce immigration laws. The Word of God leaves no room for unreasonable, unbalanced, or unjust views on either side of the issue (Philippians 4:5).