ARTICLE TOOLS

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This spring, the reality of illegal immigration took top billing on political and media agendas with such force that the debate continues to reverberate throughout the country. Why this issue has taken on such a life at this particular time is difficult to say. The problem has existed for years. But only now has concern about how illegal immigration affects national security, economic stability, and individual opportunity reached a crisis point.

The sudden and renewed interest in the presence of illegal immigrants has caused a wide variety of reactions in the church. For some—especially those in urban or coastal areas—illegal immigration is nothing new. Churches in Florida have been caring for illegal immigrants from places like Haiti and Cuba for years. Throughout the United States, churches have met the physical needs of refugees and asylum seekers and have provided safe places to explore the deep-seated emotional and spiritual devastations of violence. Many individuals and many churches have experienced growth and change as a result of this new international mindset.

But to many, the plight of illegal immigrants seems quite different from that of refugees and asylum seekers. Americans seem happy to provide a place of safety to those ravaged by outright persecution. But many feel threatened by those who come to escape the more subtle, daily ordeals caused by lack of economic opportunity and lack of education. This fear has led to responses that range from impassioned pleas for the rule of law to sighs of helplessness. Some Christian activist groups have chosen to ignore the situation altogether, suggesting that the church will be better served by focusing on other domestic concerns.

But for others, especially those who live and work among illegal immigrants, the frustrations of finding a solution are compounded by the presence of real people with powerful stories, deep wounds, and often, tenacious faith. They believe the mere presence of illegal immigrants in our midst demands a response from both the U.S. government and the church, a response that may be reflective of our nation's spiritual health. Advocating on behalf of those to whom they minister God's grace, they have called on the U.S. Congress to provide a responsible and faithful solution to the plight of illegal immigration. They call for a compromise that will enable those to whom they minister to remain in the United States while also staying faithful to the law.

In fact, Christians debating questions raised by illegal immigration have divided along priority lines that reflect a question at the heart of Christianity itself: How do we balance the competing demands of justice and mercy?

Those who want to claim the priority of law have a strong foundation for doing so. But those who call for flexibility in our law make important points as well. From a historical perspective, it's possible to assert that the United States was founded on the rule of law. It's also possible to assert that the United States was founded by the breaking of another country's laws. From a biblical perspective, some make the point that we serve a God of justice. The rule of law reflects the created order, and, in order to serve God, we must make some adherence to the demands of the law. Few Christians deny this important truth. And yet, another voice chimes in: God is also a God of mercy, whose very plan for reconciliation included immigrants, exiles, and breakers of the law.

As efforts to reconcile the House and Senate immigration bills has broken down, the voice of the prophet Micah rings out from a distant place and time. In a country riddled with political corruption and economic oppression, God called for a similar balance. "And what does the Lord require of you," the prophet reminds the people of Israel, "but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8). The leaders of our country find themselves weighing the competing demands of justice and mercy. It's a difficult task and a position of responsibility few of us envy. After all, only one man in the history of the world has ever been able to successfully fulfill the demands of law and grace.

And it's because of that man, Jesus Christ, and his work in the lives of his people, that the church cannot turn away from the illegal immigrants in our midst. We must approach this question with humility, finding and using our voices in prayer. As the House and the Senate examine the issues at hand and make choices that will affect the lives of millions, may God grant us all a measure of wisdom in striking a balance between law and generosity. And to those of us living out day-to-day lives among our neighbors, legal or otherwise, may we behave toward them in a manner reflecting God's purpose of grace and redemption in the world.