What Does the Bible Say About Immigration?
What the Bible teaches about welcoming strangers, caring for foreigners, and national responsibility.
What does the Bible say about immigration? Discover KJV scriptures on welcoming strangers, caring for foreigners, and biblical principles for a just society.
"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 (KJV)
Immigration is one of the most debated issues of our time, and the Bible speaks extensively about the treatment of foreigners and strangers. Throughout Scripture, God repeatedly commands His people to show compassion to the sojourner — the foreigner living among them — reminding Israel that they too were once strangers in Egypt.
Key Scriptures About Immigration
Leviticus 19:34
"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."Read in context
Hebrews 13:2
"Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."Read in context
Deuteronomy 10:18-19
"He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment. Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt."Read in context
Matthew 25:35
"For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in."Read in context
Exodus 22:21
"Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt."Read in context
Romans 13:1
"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God."Read in context
God's Heart for the Stranger
Over 90 times in the Old Testament, God instructs Israel to care for the 'stranger' or 'sojourner.' Leviticus 19:34 commands treating foreigners as native-born and loving them as yourself. Deuteronomy 10:18-19 reveals that God Himself loves the stranger. Jesus identified with the stranger in Matthew 25:35, saying 'I was a stranger, and ye took me in.' Compassion for immigrants reflects God's own character.
Balancing Compassion and Order
While the Bible clearly commands compassion for foreigners, it also recognizes the role of governing authorities (Romans 13:1). Ancient Israel had laws and borders. The biblical model calls for both justice and mercy — welcoming the vulnerable while maintaining orderly community life. Christians can differ on policy while agreeing on the principle: every person bears God's image and deserves dignity.
A Prayer About Immigration
Lord, give me Your heart for the stranger and the displaced. Help me to show compassion, generosity, and justice to all people, remembering that we are all pilgrims on this earth. Guide our leaders to create laws that reflect both mercy and order. Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions About Immigration
Quick answers to the most common questions about what the Bible says on immigration.
Does the Bible support open borders?
The Bible commands compassion for strangers and foreigners (Leviticus 19:34, Matthew 25:35) but also recognizes governing authority and order (Romans 13:1). Ancient Israel had borders and laws for foreigners. The biblical principle is to balance mercy with justice, treating all people with dignity regardless of policy positions.
What does the Bible say about refugees?
The Bible is full of refugee stories — Abraham was a sojourner, Israel fled Egypt, the Holy Family fled to Egypt. God repeatedly commands care for displaced people (Deuteronomy 10:18-19). Hebrews 13:2 urges hospitality to strangers. Scripture's consistent message is that caring for the vulnerable is a sacred duty.
What is the main Bible verse about immigration?
Leviticus 19:34 is one of the clearest scriptures on immigration: "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." (KJV). It anchors the broader biblical teaching summarized on this page.
How many Bible verses talk about immigration?
Scripture addresses immigration in dozens of passages across the Old and New Testaments. We've curated 6 of the most directly relevant KJV verses on this page, drawn from Leviticus, Hebrews, Deuteronomy, Matthew, Exodus and more.
Where does the Bible first mention immigration?
The earliest passage on this list is Leviticus 19:34, in the book of Leviticus. Scripture's full teaching on immigration unfolds across both testaments — see all 6 verses above for the broader picture.
Is immigration a sin according to the Bible?
What does the Bible say about immigration? Discover KJV scriptures on welcoming strangers, caring for foreigners, and biblical principles for a just society. The verses above lay out exactly what the KJV teaches so you can weigh the question for yourself in light of Scripture.
Common Bible Questions About Immigration
Specific questions Christians ask about immigration — each answered with KJV scripture.
How Do You Forgive Others According to the Bible?
Biblical forgiveness means releasing bitterness and choosing not to hold someone's offense against them — just as God in Christ forgave us.
Read answerWhat Does the Bible Say About Caring for the Environment?
God gave humanity stewardship over creation, commanding us to tend and keep the earth — a responsibility that reflects His care for all He has made.
Read answerWhat Does the Bible Say About Dating and Courtship?
While the Bible doesn't mention modern 'dating,' it provides clear principles for pursuing romantic relationships with purity, wisdom, and godly intention.
Read answerIs Eternal Punishment Just?
The Bible teaches that eternal punishment reflects the infinite seriousness of sin against an infinitely holy God, while also revealing the magnitude of God's offer of salvation.
Read answerWhat Does the Bible Say About Racism?
The Bible teaches that all humans are made in God's image, all descended from one blood, and all equal in Christ — making racism fundamentally incompatible with biblical faith.
Read answerWhat Does the Bible Say About Music in Worship?
Music is central to biblical worship — the Psalms are a songbook, instruments fill the temple, and believers are commanded to sing to the Lord. Music expresses praise, teaches truth, and connects the soul to God.
Read answerDoes the Bible Say to Forgive Yourself?
While 'forgive yourself' isn't a biblical phrase, Scripture teaches that believers should receive God's forgiveness fully, stop condemning themselves, and live in the freedom Christ purchased — 'There is therefore now no condemnation.'
Read answerWhat Does the Bible Say About Justice?
The Bible teaches that God is perfectly just, commands His people to pursue justice for the oppressed, and will ultimately judge all people fairly.
Read answerRelated Questions
What Does the Bible Say About Tattoos?
Explore what the Bible says about tattoos and body markings in both the Old and New Testament.
What Does the Bible Say About Alcohol & Drinking?
What the Bible teaches about wine, drunkenness, and moderation.
What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality?
What the Bible teaches about same-sex relationships and how Christians approach this topic.
What Does the Bible Say About Anxiety & Worry?
Biblical comfort and guidance for those dealing with anxiety, stress, and overwhelming worry.
What Does the Bible Say About War & Violence?
What the Bible teaches about war, self-defense, peace, and when conflict is justified.
What Does the Bible Say About Depression?
Biblical encouragement for those battling depression, sadness, and emotional darkness.
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Immigration
What the Bible teaches about welcoming strangers, caring for foreigners, and nat
Tattoos
Explore what the Bible says about tattoos and body markings in both the Old and
What Is Modern Idolatry?
Sin & Salvation
Prayer for Human Trafficking Victims
Freedom for those trapped in modern slavery.
Biblical Meaning of a Car in a Dream (KJV)
The direction, pace, and ministry of one's life.
More Bible Questions in Modern Issues
Continue exploring what Scripture teaches on related topics.
- What Does the Bible Say About Tattoos?
- What Does the Bible Say About Alcohol & Drinking?
- What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality?
- What Does the Bible Say About Anxiety & Worry?
- What Does the Bible Say About War & Violence?
- What Does the Bible Say About Depression?
- What Does the Bible Say About Abortion?
- What Does the Bible Say About Self-Defense?
- What Does the Bible Say About Astrology & Horoscopes?
- What Does the Bible Say About Social Media?
- What Does the Bible Say About Racism?
- What Does the Bible Say About Pornography?
- What Does the Bible Say About Witchcraft & the Occult?
- What Does the Bible Say About Drugs & Substance Abuse?
- What Does the Bible Say About Politics & Government?
- What Does the Bible Say About Stress & Burnout?
- What Does the Bible Say About Self-Defense?
- What Does the Bible Say About Abortion?