Immigration. A constant aspect of human life since its inception. From the movement of ancient Near Eastern clans to what we might think of in the world of the modern nation-state, immigration has impacted countless lives throughout history for better and for worse. The Bible does not shy away from this reality and is rife with stories and examples of people groups migrating. Whether they’ve been forced to move or voluntarily decide to leave their home, immigrants are often met with a mixed reception upon their arrival in a new land.

How are Christians to respond to this age old phenomenon? Does the Bible provide any clear endorsements one way or the other? Or is the issue more complex than what American bipartisan politics would lead us to believe? All that and more on this edition of Questions from the Pew!

RESOURCES:

U.S. Immigration Trends - Migration Policy Institute (MPI)

Chinese Immigration and the Chinese Exclusion Acts - Office of the Historian (The Historian of the U.S. Department of State)

U.S. Immigration Before 1965 - History.com

U.S. Immigration Timeline - History.com

As Chinese Exclusion Act Turns 135, Experts Point To Parallels Today - NPR