Within the past few weeks, we have seen illegal criminals being arrested and deported back to the counties where they came from. At the same time, there has been increased debate over immigration since President Donald Trump took office for a second time.

Immigration is one of Trump’s top priorities going all the way back during this first term and now, starting a day after he took office. His border czar, Tom Homan, is adamant about seeing these deportations being carried out in major cities across the country. In addition to deportations, Trump plans to rebuild the border wall he did in his first term that his successor and now predecessor Joe Biden attempted to undo by opening up the border, allowing anyone into the country without consideration of the consequences.

The Tragic Case That Changed Immigration Laws
Such consequences have included increased crime in the country due to criminals who crossed the border. One example is the death of 22-year-old Laken Riley, who was killed in February 2024 by a Venezuelan man while she was jogging at the University of Georgia. The news surrounding her death made national headlines as well as renewed debate over immigration policies in the United States. Just last week, Trump signed the Laken Riley Act, his first bill signed into law in his second term, which would require ICE to detain illegal immigrants charged with theft-related crimes. Additionally, the statute permits states to bring legal action against the Department of Homeland Security for harm sustained by their citizens as a result of illegal immigration.

Christian Leaders and Celebrities Respond
Trump’s policies have been met with strong reactions. It is no doubt one of the most pressing issues of our day that has only become more contentious in recent weeks, including the case where Mariann Edgar Budde, the episcopalian bishop, called directly on Trump at the interfaith prayer service following his second presidential inauguration to have compassion toward immigrants and members of the LGBT+ community. Celebrities such as Selena Gomez have also gone viral for lamenting Trump’s immigration policies. Some Christians, including World Relief, have also expressed their concerns about Trump’s recent suspension of the Refugee Admissions Program, contending that it places Christian refugees fleeing countries where persecution is present.

Despite their concerns, I don’t see any of them speaking out about the crimes that some of these illegal immigrants have committed alone or how open borders have enabled gangs, drug cartels, and human trafficking to come in.

Would You Leave Your Door Open to Strangers?
Think of it this way: Would you welcome anyone into your house? I don’t think you would keep the door wide open with a sign stating “EVERYONE WELCOME HERE” because you don’t know who might enter. This isn’t to say that immigrants shouldn’t come to America. I know that many seek a better life here. However, there should be a proper vetting process in which we know exactly who wants to come into the country.

What Does the Bible Say about Borders and Immigration?
The Bible supports both the existence of nations and the importance of borders:

o Genesis 10:32 describes the establishment of nations.
o Genesis 15:18-21 details God’s promise of land to Abraham.
o Deuteronomy 32:8 states that God “set the boundaries of the peoples.”
o Acts 17:26 affirms that God determines national borders.

The Bible also speaks to the role of governing authorities in upholding the law (Romans 13:1-7) and the importance of punishing lawbreakers for the protection of society.

A Biblical Balance between Compassion and Law
Meanwhile, the Bible also calls us to have compassion for the poor, orphans, and widows (Galatians 2:10; James 1:27; 2:2–15). Additionally, Christians are to show mercy and compassion for immigrants (Exodus 22:21; Leviticus 19:33–34; Matthew 25:35). After all, all human beings are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26), and we are to share the Gospel to those who are not yet saved in carrying out the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). At the same time, however, this does not mean that there shouldn’t be any borders or that the deportations shouldn’t be carried out. If criminals and terrorists come into the U.S., then the laws of the land will be enforced for the good of the nation and its citizens. The same goes for those who enter the country illegally despite not having a previous criminal record because they did not obey the laws of the land.

When it comes to immigration, borders, and obtaining citizenship, things must be done in proper order. A nation has the full right to enforce the law for the well-being and protection of its citizens. At the same time, we are to pray and show compassion to migrants and refugees who desire to come into the country but should undergo the nation’s process of how they can attain citizenship rather than enter illegally.

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