What Does the Bible Say About Immigrants?

TL;DR: The Bible consistently commands God's people to love and protect immigrants (called 'strangers' or 'sojourners'). Leviticus 19:34 instructs Israel to treat the stranger as a native-born citizen and to love them as themselves Leviticus 19:34. Deuteronomy 10:19 grounds this command in Israel's own experience as immigrants in Egypt Deuteronomy 10:19. Exodus 23:9 explicitly forbids oppressing the foreigner Exodus 23:9. The New Testament extends this vision globally, with Galatians 3:8 affirming that all nations are blessed through Abraham Galatians 3:8.

"But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God." — Leviticus 19:34

This verse is one of the most direct statements in all of Scripture on the treatment of immigrants. The Hebrew word translated 'stranger' (ger) refers to a foreigner residing within the community — essentially an immigrant. God doesn't merely tolerate the stranger's presence; He commands His people to love the immigrant as they love themselves Leviticus 19:34. The moral weight here is enormous: it's the same standard Jesus later cited as the second greatest commandment.

Crucially, God anchors this command in historical memory. Israel knew what it felt like to be displaced, vulnerable, and foreign. Deuteronomy 10:19 makes this explicit: "Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt" Deuteronomy 10:19. And Exodus 23:9 adds a warning: "Also thou shalt not oppress a stranger: for ye know the heart of a stranger, seeing ye were strangers in the land of Egypt" Exodus 23:9. Empathy born from shared suffering becomes the foundation for ethical obligation.

Protestant · Christianity

Protestant View on Immigrants in the Bible

"But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God." — Leviticus 19:34

Protestant theology has historically emphasized that the Bible's commands regarding immigrants aren't merely ceremonial laws tied to ancient Israel — they reflect the character of God Himself. Leviticus 19:34 places love for the immigrant alongside love for one's neighbor, suggesting it carries the same moral weight Leviticus 19:34. Many Protestant traditions argue this command is part of the moral law that transcends the Mosaic covenant.

The principle of equal legal standing is reinforced in Exodus 12:49, which states: "One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you" Exodus 12:49. Protestants who emphasize the unity of Scripture see this as a precursor to the New Testament teaching that there's no distinction between peoples before God.

Galatians 3:8 broadens the picture dramatically, declaring that God always intended to bless all nations through Abraham Galatians 3:8. Protestant commentators often point to this verse as evidence that welcoming the foreigner isn't peripheral to the gospel — it's woven into God's redemptive plan from the very beginning. The stranger isn't an afterthought; they're part of the promise.

Even prophetic texts like Isaiah 61:5 envision foreigners playing an active, dignified role in the restored community of God's people Isaiah 61:5. While interpretations of that passage vary, many Protestant scholars see it as affirming the immigrant's place within God's economy rather than on its margins.

Key takeaways

Leviticus 19:34 commands God's people to love the immigrant 'as thyself' and treat them as native-born citizens Leviticus 19:34.
Exodus 23:9 explicitly forbids oppressing immigrants, appealing to Israel's own experience as foreigners in Egypt Exodus 23:9.
Exodus 12:49 establishes equal legal standing for immigrants and native-born citizens under Mosaic law Exodus 12:49.
Deuteronomy 10:19 grounds the command to love immigrants in historical empathy: 'ye were strangers in the land of Egypt' Deuteronomy 10:19.
Galatians 3:8 extends the biblical vision globally, affirming that God always intended to bless 'all nations' through Abraham Galatians 3:8.

FAQs

Does the Bible say to love immigrants?

Yes, explicitly. Leviticus 19:34 commands God's people to love the stranger 'as thyself' and to treat them as native-born citizens Leviticus 19:34. Deuteronomy 10:19 repeats this command, grounding it in Israel's own experience as immigrants in Egypt Deuteronomy 10:19. It's not a suggestion — it's a direct divine command placed alongside the command to love one's neighbor.

Does the Bible forbid oppressing immigrants?

Absolutely. Exodus 23:9 states plainly: 'thou shalt not oppress a stranger: for ye know the heart of a stranger, seeing ye were strangers in the land of Egypt' Exodus 23:9. The Bible appeals to empathy and shared human experience as the reason oppression of immigrants is morally unacceptable. God's people are called to remember their own vulnerability.

Did the Bible treat immigrants and citizens the same under the law?

Yes. Exodus 12:49 declares: 'One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you' Exodus 12:49. This principle of equal legal standing meant immigrants weren't a separate, lesser class under Mosaic law. They were entitled to the same legal protections as native Israelites, reflecting God's impartial justice.

How does the New Testament view immigrants and foreigners?

Galatians 3:8 reveals that God's plan always included blessing 'all nations' through Abraham Galatians 3:8. This global vision means no ethnic or national group is outside God's redemptive concern. The New Testament builds on the Old Testament's commands to welcome the stranger, extending them into a universal call to embrace all peoples as potential heirs of the promise.

What role do foreigners play in biblical prophecy?

Isaiah 61:5 envisions 'strangers' and 'sons of the alien' standing alongside God's people, feeding flocks and working the land Isaiah 61:5. While interpretations vary, this prophetic image portrays immigrants as active participants in the restored community — not outsiders to be tolerated, but contributors valued within God's future kingdom.

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