What does the Bible say about illegal immigration?

Note: We wholeheartedly believe that God’s people are called to be compassionate and merciful toward immigrants (Exodus 22:21; Leviticus 19:33–34; Matthew 25:35). We also believe that the United States should have a compassionate and merciful immigration policy. However, the question at hand concerns illegal immigration—and whether it is wrong to violate a nation’s borders and transgress its immigration laws.


Romans 13:1–7 makes it clear that God expects us to obey the laws of the government. The only exception is when a law forces us to disobey a command of God (Acts 5:29). Illegal immigration breaks a government’s law. There is nothing in Scripture that contradicts the idea of a sovereign nation having immigration laws. Therefore, it is rebellion against God to unlawfully enter another country. Illegal immigration is a sin.

Illegal immigration is a controversial issue in the United States and some other countries today. Some argue that the immigration laws are unfair, unjust, and even discriminatory—thus giving individuals justification to immigrate illegally. However, Romans 13:1–7 does not give permission to violate a law just because it is perceived as unjust. Again, the issue is not the fairness of a law. The only biblical reason to violate a government’s law is if that law violates God’s Word. When Paul wrote the book of Romans, he was under the authority of the Roman Empire, led by Emperor Nero. Under that reign, there were many laws that were unfair, unjust, or blatantly evil. Still, Paul instructed Christians to submit to the government.

All developed countries have immigration laws, some more strict than those of the US and some less strict, but all countries have to deal with illegal immigration. There is nothing in the Bible to prohibit a country from having open borders or closed borders. The Bible does give government the authority to make laws and punish lawbreakers (Romans 13:1–7). Whether the punishment is imprisonment, deportation, or something more severe, a government has the right to enforce its laws.

Illegal immigration is a complex issue. Most illegal immigrants in the United States have come for the purpose of seeking a better life, providing for their families, and escaping poverty. These are good goals and motivations. However, it is not biblical to violate a law to achieve a “good.” Caring for the poor, orphans, and widows is something the Bible commands us to do (Galatians 2:10; James 1:27; 2:2–15); however, that biblical mandate does not excuse lawbreaking. Supporting, enabling, or encouraging illegal immigration is a violation of God’s Word. Those seeking to emigrate to another country should always obey the immigration laws of that country. Yes, dealing with red tape may cause delays and frustrations, but it is better than acting illegally. A frustrating law is still a law.

What is the biblical principle related to immigrating illegally? Simple—don’t do it; obey the laws of the land. Lawbreaking is not a biblical option, but citizens of the US have many rights under the law, including the right to change the law. If it is your conviction that an immigration law is unjust, do everything legally within your power to get the law changed: pray, petition, vote, peacefully protest, etc. As Christians, we should be the first to seek to change any law that is truly unjust. At the same time, we are to demonstrate our submission to God by obeying the government He has placed in authority over us.

“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves” (1 Peter 2:13–16).