Australia and the United States have one thing in common – a free and wealthy society that appeals to lots of people who live under the burdens of poverty, war and crime in other parts of the world.
In Australia, the media has coined the term “boat people” to describe illegal immigrants who arrive here in small and dangerous boats. Although they make up less than 5% of Australia’s total immigration, the media has successfully whipped up a frenzy of fear regarding the intentions of these “boat people”.
This weekend, I met some illegal immigrants. They were from Iran, and they had been invited to our church by a friend who’d started talking to them in a park. It was their first time in church, and the first time they’d opened a Bible.
So what’s the upside to illegal immigration? The opportunity to share the gospel message with people who would not have heard it otherwise. The ability to share a message of hope, grace and love with people from a very different religious background. The chance to practically show Christ’s love to a vulnerable and lonely people.
“Do not mistreat an alien or or oppress him, for you were aliens in Egypt.” Exodus 22:21
What do you think? Do you agree that we should reach out to immigrants – even illegal ones – with compassion and love?
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
We should treat ALL people with love and compassion, and share the Gospel with all we meet whenever possible.
We should also uphold the rule of Law to all.
As to that verse: the strangers in Egypt were not illegal, nor invaders; they were invited immigrants. GOD told Israel to treat those that joined them as they should have been treated because they had been there. GOD was NOT telling them to ignore illegal invaders and welcome them, since that policy is detrimental to the sovereignty of any nation, and its economy.
ALL illegals should be treated compassionately, and if fleeing a ruinistic, despotic country each case should be listened and evaluated; provided that they come seeking asylum, not invading and sneaking in some other way.
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.” (Joh 10:1)
Thanks Jefferson. The Biblical reference was in part supposed to refer to the Israelites as refugees, as they fled to Egypt to escape famine and were initially treated well before becoming enslaved. Here in Australia, 90% of “boat people” are genuine refugees and so aren’t actually illegal, despite the media’s best intentions. Also, my question is if one is from a war torn country where there is no education, no work, and no transport, how does one actually find out what the legal avenues are to seek legal asylum? Where would they go? Who would they talk to? In truth, they are vulnerable people with very few options left.
I totally agree with what Jefferson Sweet said. We should offer compassion to illegal aliens, but at the same time we must insist on compliance with the rule of law. If they want to return home and apply legally, then we should welcome them with open arms.
Meanwhile, I agree with your contention, Julie, that we should see oportunities for evangelism among these people.
I replied to Jefferson’s comment, but would be interested in your thoughts on the question I asked: if one is from a war torn country where there is no education, no work, and no transport, how does one actually find out what the legal avenues are to seek legal asylum? Where would they go? Who would they talk to? In truth, they are vulnerable people with very few options left.
As a visa officer in U.S. embassies and consulates, I got to know a lot of hurting people with desperate needs. I find my fellow Americans in this country are woefully ignorant of those needs and of other countries in general. This country does give money to assist refugee camps in places like Turkey (for Syrians fleeing the brual Assad regime). We also allow a certain number of refugees to enter each year, fleeing situations like the one discribed. I would point out that the average illegal alien that I was acquainted with in my work was not fleeing persecution but poverty. Helping in this situation might require sending Americans to help a country such as Tunisia (which started the Arab spring by getting rid of a dictator) develp better jobs. It all starts with learning about the situations so that our help is efficient, not just making us feel better.
Thanks for your perspective, Ann. Poverty is something the Bible speaks about quite a lot, in particular, having compassion for the poor. In comparison to what we have, I can’t help but feel we have plenty to share. Here in Australia, most of those seeking refugee status are fleeing war, famine, and persecution. Thanks again, I agree with your sentiments.
Very well stated reply comments to a well written article, Julie. Here in the U.S. I think the vast majority of illegal immigrants (aliens) are those who have been smuggled in or slipped over the borders and inculcated themselves into our society. They want a better life and seek to find it here. No one can “fault” another because they seek to better themselves. However, it is akin to robbery because they are literally taking from our pockets to fund their access to government programs that feed, house, educate, and provide medical care. This is different from boat people fleeing oppressive dictators and maniac rulers who seek to wipe out a people group.
There are legitimate ways people can enter another country – even if they arrived initially as a boat person. But I really understand your desire to be able to see them given a chance to learn of Christ and the Salvation He offers.
Thanks for your comment, Vera. I realise it is a complex issue and practical considerations that must be made. I’m simply of the opinion that compassion should be factored into any decision making process. Thanks again.