Christian conservatives often point out that our country’s laws are based on Biblical principles. I think this is true to some extent.
Unfortunately, many of my fellow Christians leave their Christian values behind when they debate some current political issues, such as immigration. Conservatives seem willing to deny civil rights to anyone who is here illegally—with no compassion for the immigrants’ families and no regard for the hardships that may have driven these people from their native countries.
It is hypocritical for anyone who holds such views to claim to be a Christian. Christ taught that we should love our neighbors; he did not say we should check their papers status first. Here are just a few examples that anyone who wants tougher immigration laws should ponder:
When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. …
Leviticus 19:33-34
Do not take advantage of a hired worker who is poor and needy, whether that worker is a fellow Israelite or a foreigner residing in one of your towns.
Deuteronomy 24:14
When you harvest the grapes in your vineyard, do not go over the vines again. Leave what remains for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow.
Deuteronomy 24:21
Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.
Hebrews 13:2
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