Bible Verses About Illegal Aliens: What Scripture Really Says About Immigrants and Strangers

Immigration is one of the most debated topics in modern society. Discussions often spill into political, economic, and social arenas — and for many believers, into matters of faith. One question frequently asked is: What does the Bible say about illegal aliens?

While the term “illegal alien” is modern and political, the Bible speaks extensively about foreigners, strangers, sojourners, and immigrants. Scripture offers profound insight into how God views those living outside their homeland and how His people are called to treat them.

In this post, we’ll explore key Bible verses about immigrants, unpack their context, and examine how they relate to contemporary discussions about undocumented immigration — all through a balanced, biblical lens.

Understanding Biblical Terms: Stranger, Sojourner, and Foreigner

Before diving into specific verses, it's important to understand that:

• The Bible does not use the modern term “illegal alien.”
• Instead, it uses words like:
  • Stranger
  • Sojourner
  • Foreigner
  • Alien (in some translations)

In Hebrew, the word “ger” often refers to a foreigner who lives among the Israelites but is not native-born. This person was not merely a visitor — they resided within the community.

Understanding this context helps us interpret Scripture more accurately without injecting modern political definitions into ancient texts.

1. God Commands Kindness Toward Foreigners

One of the clearest themes in Scripture is God’s compassion for immigrants and strangers.

📖 Leviticus 19:33–34 (NIV)

“When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as