–– Mark Christopher
Audio version of this article available here: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.
The issue of illegal immigration is a persistent problem affecting many nations around the world at the present moment. South Africa has long been impacted by an unknown number of illegal aliens from neighbouring countries. Most of these are understandably seeking a better life. The estimates on the number of illegal immigrants in South Africa range from 5 to 10 million people.
This large influx of people has led to periodic episodes of xenophobic violence as some South Africans feel threatened by those they consider stealing their jobs and opportunities for a better life. Violence against those who have illegally entered South Africa’s borders only exacerbates the problem without offering a positive corrective.
The question before every blood-bought believer in Christ is how should Christians biblically view illegal immigration and immigrants.
The Bible is replete with examples and instructions concerning legal and illegal immigration. Exodus 22:21 and Leviticus 19:33-34 underscore that ancient Israel was to treat “sojourners” in their midst with kindness and compassion. It is important to note that the sojourners spoken of in these two contexts were the equivalent of what we now call permanent residents who sought permission from the Israelites to reside in Israel.
Therefore, Christians are confronted with an observable tension in Scripture between compassion and mercy on the one hand and the rule of law by God-ordained government on the other. Christians must remember we are mandated by the commands of Romans 13:1-7 to obey the law of the land, except when it conflicts with God’s commands as is the case in Acts 5:29. The truth of the matter is that illegal immigration is a direct violation of a government’s law. Therefore, it is a rebellion against both God and man. Furthermore, it is a sin of disobedience.
It is well-known that the majority of illegal immigrants flee their native countries to seek a better life, provide for their families, and escape the results of bad governance. These are all good reasons to leave. Of course, there is a minority of illegal aliens who enter their host country with evil intentions. This is all the more reason a government must protect its borders and establish immigration laws; so that proper vetting can take place.
The sum of illegal immigration amounts to breaking a government’s laws. It is neither biblical nor right to do wrong to accomplish what is thought to be a good outcome. Christians should always seek to obey the immigration laws of the country where they seek to immigrate. This will no doubt result in delays, red tape, and frustration. Yet, in the end, obedience will lead to peace of mind while allaying the fear of getting caught and then deported.
There are extreme cases where persecution and war are so prevalent it causes innocent people to seek asylum in another country not their own. Many countries have made allowances and established protocols for those fleeing unimaginable circumstances. But asylum-seeking is not exactly the same as illegal immigration as the motivation is different.
For those who think their country’s immigration laws are too strict and unjust, the answer is not to ignore or violate existing laws, but rather lobby to replace existing laws with new laws.
At this point, some Christians will argue that Joseph and Mary fled to a foreign nation when baby Jesus’ life was threatened by King Herod’s murderous rampage. But this in no way justifies ignoring a nation’s immigration laws. Joseph and Mary were not illegal immigrants. On the contrary, they were simply relocating to another part of the Roman Empire. This would be like moving from the Free State to the Western Cape. Furthermore, Joseph and Mary were able to finance their sojourn in Egypt with the gifts left by the magi. So, they did not become a burden to the state. They ultimately returned to Israel after the death of Herod (Matthew 2:19-21).
As South Africa rapidly approaches the May 29th elections, the issue of illegal immigration with its deleterious effects is just one of many issues voters need to consider before heading to the polls. While illegal immigration is always wrong, in South Africa’s case, the government shoulders much of the blame for contributing to the problem through porous borders, high levels of corruption by border officials, and bureaucratic inefficiencies in Home Affairs.
When it comes to dealing with illegal immigrants, the most compassionate thing South African Christians can do is to encourage illegal aliens they know to try and legalize their status in accordance with the laws of the land. In addition, they can vote for a party that has a balanced approach to immigration. And, when the spectre of xenophobic violence rears its ugly head, Christians must speak out while extending a helping hand to those affected by the violence.
Finally, remember what 1 Peter 2:13-16 commands us to do:
“Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority or to governors as sent by Him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. Act as free men, do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God.”