Our Church and Illegal Immigration
by Nathan Busenitz
According to recent estimates, there are over 21 million people living in the United States illegally. On a political level, much controversy centers around how illegal immigration might be better regulated, and how the government should respond to the immigrants who are already here. On an economic level, experts debate how the influx of immigrants has affected the American economy.
But our primary concern is neither political or economic. Rather it is theological and pastoral. From a biblical and practical perspective, how should pastors and church leaders respond to this issue? As those who minister in Los Angeles, this question is not hypothetical for us. Nor is it hypothetical for a growing number of churches across our nation.
Though not an exhaustive response, below are ten considerations (organized under four headings) which outline Grace Church's pastoral perspective on this issue.

Illegal Immigration and U.S. Law
We affirm the fact that, in keeping with the Word of God, Christians are to submissively obey the laws of the government (Rom. 13:1; 1 Pet. 2:13–17; cf. Titus 3:1). The only exception to this general rule would be if a government mandate requires believers to disobey God (Dan. 3:16–18; Acts 5:29). Nothing in current U.S. immigration law requires Christians to disobey God, thus U.S. immigration laws are to be submissively obeyed by believers.
If a believer is illegally residing in the United States, he should take active steps to rectify that situation. This may involve seeking legal residence through whatever means are available to him (for which we would recommend consultation with an immigration lawyer), or it may necessitate leaving the United States until such a time as immigration can legally take place.
In light of the biblical commands (noted above), Christians who reside here illegally should understand that doing so constitutes sin, and that such sin remains until their law-breaking status is resolved. Staying here illegally also brings with it additional temptations - to lie and deceive (about one's status), to steal (by avoiding taxes and other fees), to worry (about getting caught), and so on. When known sin continues without repentance, the believer's relationship to God is seriously hindered (cf. Ps. 66:18; Prov. 28:9).
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