Christianity and immigration: Addressing humanitarian crisis with compassion
The number of migrant families with children crossing the southern border of the US is on the rise.
According to Customs and Border Protection, more than 2,230 migrants were crossing the border daily on average as of July 2023.
Demographic trend reveals that families, mostly from northern Central America and Mexico, form the fastest-growing undocumented border crossers. However, single adults remain the primary group in these crossings.
Around 100 million individuals were forcibly displaced by 2022's close. They were compelled to leave their homes due to conflict, violence, rights abuses, natural disasters, and the escalating impacts of climate change.
In today's interconnected world, the issue of immigration has become a prominent humanitarian crisis. This affects millions of individuals and families fleeing from war, persecution, poverty, and natural disasters.
As Christians, we need to approach this complex issue with compassion and empathy, guided by the teachings of Christ, to extend love and care to those in need.
COMMON CAUSES OF THE MIGRANT AND REFUGEE CRISIS
1. Armed Conflicts and Wars. Ongoing armed conflicts and wars in regions such as Ukraine, Syria, Afghanistan, South Sudan, and Yemen have forced millions of people to flee their homes and seek safety in other countries. These conflicts have led to displacement on a massive scale.
2. Political Instability. Political instability, including weak governance, corruption, and human rights abuses, in various countries has also contributed to the displacement of populations.
When people feel unsafe or lack opportunities, they often try to move to more stable and prosperous regions.
3. Economic Factors. Economic hardships, poverty, and lack of job opportunities in certain regions can push people to migrate for better economic prospects and living conditions in other countries.
4. Environmental Disasters and Climate Change. Climate change intensifies natural disasters like hurricanes, floods, and droughts, resulting in displacement in vulnerable regions.
Entire communities are forced to abandon their homes due to the escalating environmental impact.
5. Persecution and Human Rights Violations. People flee from persecution, discrimination, and human rights abuses, such as ethnic or religious persecution. They often seek asylum and refugee status in other countries to escape danger.
6. Human Trafficking and Smuggling. Criminal networks exploit vulnerable populations by offering illegal migration routes, leading to dangerous journeys and exploitation.
THE ROLE OF THE GOVERNMENT IN A HUMANITARIAN CRISIS
Government involvement in immigration and refugee crises is multifaceted. This includes border control, security, and enforcing immigration laws to safeguard citizens.
Moreover, governments handle asylum and refugee applications, carefully evaluating cases to offer protection to those seeking it.
Global immigration and refugee challenges necessitate international cooperation, prompting governments to collaborate through bilateral or multilateral agreements.
Besides, governments provide humanitarian aid and support to displaced populations within their borders and neighboring countries.
Governments facilitate integration into society through language courses, education, job training, and essential services for those granted asylum or refugee status.
Legislation and public policy must guide immigration and refugee management, reflecting humanitarian and security considerations.
Addressing root causes like conflict, poverty, and political instability falls within the government's purview.
Diplomacy, foreign aid, and development assistance play vital roles. Governments also contribute to public awareness and education to foster empathy and understanding.
The approach to immigration and refugee crises varies between countries, influenced by public opinion and political factors.
As the situation continuously changes, staying updated through recent sources and news outlets is advised.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT REFUGEES
Though the Bible lacks the term "Refugee," its writers understood it well.
Today, addressing the refugee crisis stemming from conflict, persecution, poverty, and climate change, remains a deeply political issue, demanding thoughtful consideration.
All these texts indicate that refugees are to be honored, provided for, and welcomed. Christians reject any grudge or discrimination against refugees, advocating wholehearted acceptance and compassion.
1. "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. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God." - Leviticus 19:33-34
In the Old Testament, God's people are commanded to treat foreigners not as strangers but as their neighbors.
2. "When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor and for the foreigner residing among you. I am the Lord your God." - Leviticus 23:22
There are also laws about providing for the poor people and non-Israelites.
3. "At the end of every three years, bring all the tithes of that year's produce and store it in your towns, 29 so that the Levites (who have no allotment or inheritance of their own) and the foreigners, the fatherless and the widows who live in your towns may come and eat and be satisfied, and so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands." - Deuteronomy 14:28-29
God commanded the Israelites to keep a tenth of their harvest every third year to benefit orphans, widows, and foreigners.
4. "Since you call on a Father who judges each person's work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear." - 1 Peter 1:17
God judges all people by what they do. We must exalt God while we live as strangers here on earth.
Understanding the Christian call to compassion
Volunteers carry a box of medicine and a box of food. (Photo by RDNE Stock Project from Pexels)
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This command is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself." - Matthew 22:37-39
The Great Commandment requires us to love God above all and our neighbors as ourselves. It does not prequalify our concern to others about race, color, ethnicity, or nationality.
Christian teachings emphasize compassion, as Apostle Paul urges believers to be kind, forgiving, and merciful, as God forgave them. Emulating Christ's love, Christians are called to extend empathy and support to vulnerable individuals. They include immigrants and refugees, who are enduring adversity and uncertainty (Ephesians 4:32).
The Bible proclaims that all people are created in the image of God and, therefore, possess inherent dignity and worth (Genesis 1:27).
As Christians, we must acknowledge the humanity and value of every individual, regardless of their origin or background.
It calls us to treat immigrants with respect and empathy, offering them the same love and care we would extend to fellow human beings.
Christians must prioritize improving conditions within the United States while extending compassion to those outside its borders.
It avoids this humanitarian crisis's divisive "us and them" mindset. It acknowledges responsibility for both local and distant individuals.
The parable of the Good Samaritan exemplifies this biblical philosophy. He is not faulted for the countless people he didn't encounter but is commended for showing love and care to the one he met on the road (Luke 10:25-37).
It illustrates the significance of being a loving neighbor to those around us and abroad.
By striking such a balance, Christians exemplify genuine concern for all, fostering a sense of community and kindness that transcends geographical boundaries.
Our citizenship in Heaven
A clear blue gradient sky. (Photo by Pixabay from Pexels)
"But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ." - Philippians 3:20
As the immigration crisis unfolds, Christians must lead with compassion, recognizing the humanity and dignity of those affected.
By following the teachings of Christ and responding to this crisis with love and empathy, we can be a powerful force for positive change.
Advocating for just policies, providing practical support, and embracing diversity are all essential steps in addressing the humanitarian crisis with compassion.
Together, as a global community driven by empathy and understanding, we can work towards a more inclusive and compassionate world for all.
There must be a delicate balance between the government's role and God's laws. The Bible tells us to submit to the government as it is instituted by God for our welfare (Romans 13).
It is mandated to secure us from external threats like terrorism, criminality, and other social dangers, including human or drug trafficking. Still, instituting laws that bar foreigners because of race, color, or social status is ungodly.
Let us not forget that we were all once immigrants in these lands.
Jesus' own refugee experience is no coincidence. Fleeing from Herod to Egypt with his parents, his arduous journey evokes the plight of modern-day refugees escaping violence in places like Syria, Iraq, and Myanmar.
The question arises: How would we react if Jesus were the refugee at our doorstep?
His reflection calls us to treat those seeking refuge with empathy, recognizing the shared humanity and vulnerability that transcend borders.
It emphasizes the importance of compassionately addressing the needs of all displaced individuals, as we would for Jesus himself.
Our earthly existence is short and impermanent. We all await eternal life where our citizenship and salvation are secured.
