I am trying to gain a conviction about how I feel about people living illegally in the US.  The Bible says we need to love the aliens and help meet their needs. On the other hand, I know it is technically illegal for a foreigner to live in the United States without a proper visa. As we are meeting and studying the Bible with people whose status is illegal, should we call them to return to their home countries, or maybe work with them towards getting their citizenship? -- Jeff

This is a tricky question. Surely someone's salvation is more important than his immigrant status. We are called to obey the laws of the land, and yet our land (for us Americans) is a nation built on immigrants! Inflexible policy or conviction may not necessarily be in harmony with the principle of love. And yet here are some perspectives that may help you to round out your understanding of this complex issue:

* The Bible does indeed call us to love the alien. You are right, we should do all we can to move "illegals" towards lawful status in the country.
* In many cases, going back to countries of origin is unrealistic, or even dangerous. "Asylum" may be a sometimes abused status, but there are hundreds of thousands of legitimate cases where shelter from religious or political persecution is needed.
* In many cases, going back to the nation of origin is highly desirable, especially when the individual is more likely to understand the gospel in his own language and as he observes it being lived out among compatriots.
* Of all aliens, high-power nationals should be encouraged to return, as their contribution to the evangelization of their nations will be maximal.
* Lying to immigration authorities can damage one's conscience. Living in fear -- always "on the run" -- can erode faith. It may be better to "come clean," plead for clemency, and let God move in his own way.
* While we must respect governmental authorities, we are never called to be vigilantes who cause trouble or hardship for those who, whatever their reasons, have chosen to "hide" from immigration authorities. It is not the church's job to exercise police functions in society.

We must never let false sentimentality lead us to gloss over deeper issues. I.e., if an "illegal" is also failing to repent of laziness or bitterness, we should not excuse these very serious sins because of false guilt. ("We have so much, they have so little, we 'owe' it to them to tread lightly and not push the implications of the gospel.")

Probably the best course of action will need to be decided case by case.

Update: for more...listen to this 12 minute podcast on Illegal Immigration.

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