📖 Biblical Definition
Scripture addresses the treatment of foreigners through the concept of the ger — the sojourner or resident alien who lives among God's people and submits to their laws and customs. God commanded Israel: "You shall not oppress a sojourner. You know the heart of a sojourner, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt" (Exodus 23:9). The sojourner was to be treated with justice and compassion, given access to gleaning rights and the tithe for the poor. However, the sojourner was also expected to submit to Israel's laws — including the sabbath commandment and the prohibition on blasphemy. Biblical immigration involves both compassion for the foreigner and submission to the governing authority of the host nation. Ruth the Moabitess is the model: she left her people, adopted Israel's God and laws, and was blessed for it.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
The passing or removing into a country for the purpose of permanent residence.
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IMMIGRATION, n. The passing or removing into a country for the purpose of permanent residence. Webster understood immigration as lawful relocation, not unlawful entry. The concept presupposes a nation with borders, laws, and sovereignty.
📖 Key Scripture
• Exodus 23:9 — "You shall not oppress a sojourner. You know the heart of a sojourner, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt."
• Leviticus 19:33-34 — "When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong... you shall love him as yourself."
• Ruth 1:16 — "Your people shall be my people, and your God my God."
• Romans 13:1 — "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Both sides weaponize Scripture — one ignoring compassion, the other ignoring law.
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The modern immigration debate is plagued by selective Scripture use. One side quotes "love the sojourner" while ignoring the sojourner's obligation to submit to the host nation's laws. The other side emphasizes border enforcement while ignoring the repeated biblical commands to show compassion and justice to foreigners. Scripture holds both together: nations have legitimate authority over their borders (Acts 17:26), and the foreigner dwelling lawfully among God's people must be treated with dignity and care. The biblical model is neither open borders nor xenophobia — it is ordered compassion under lawful authority, exemplified by Ruth, who willingly submitted to Israel's God, people, and customs.
Usage
• "The biblical sojourner was not an undocumented invader — he was a lawful resident who submitted to the host nation's authority and was protected by its laws."
• "Ruth is the model immigrant: she left her gods, adopted Israel's God, submitted to Israel's customs, and was grafted into the messianic line."