The Irony Of A Country Built By Immigrants Chasing Immigrants Away: A Reflection On America's Crisis
A Nation of Immigrants, Yet Unwelcoming to the Stranger
America—the land of dreams, opportunity, and freedom—was built by immigrants. From the earliest settlers to the waves of newcomers in every generation, the history of this nation is intricately tied to the story of people seeking refuge, prosperity, and a fresh start. Yet today, we find ourselves in an era marked by fierce debates, policies, and actions designed to keep immigrants out, rather than welcome them in.
This stark irony begs the question: How did a country founded on the promise of refuge for the oppressed become a nation known for closing its doors on the very people who built it?
What does the Bible say about the treatment of immigrants and strangers? How does God view nations that forget their roots and turn their backs on the needy? This article explores these questions, drawing from the gospel of Jesus and the Old Testament to shed light on America’s spiritual crisis.
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A Nation Founded on Immigrant Dreams
From the first Europeans who set foot on American soil to the modern-day immigrants fleeing war, poverty, and persecution, the history of America is one of migration and assimilation. The nation's founders sought freedom from oppression, and throughout its history, newcomers have found solace and opportunity in its shores.
But now, as the nation grapples with increasing divisions and rising nationalism, the very people who made America great are being vilified and rejected. The question we must ask is: Has America lost sight of the values upon which it was founded?
The Bible’s Clear Command to Welcome the Stranger
The Old Testament is filled with laws and principles that mandate kindness, justice, and compassion toward immigrants. The Israelites were themselves once strangers and immigrants in Egypt, and God commanded them to remember that experience.
Exodus 22:21 – “Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.”
God’s command is clear: Do not oppress the stranger. The Israelites were reminded time and time again of their own past as immigrants and strangers in a foreign land. How, then, can we justify turning our backs on the millions who seek refuge in America today?
Leviticus 19:34 – “But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.”
The Bible does not just tell us to tolerate strangers; it commands us to love them as ourselves. This is a radical call to action—one that is often ignored in today’s discourse surrounding immigration. Instead of embracing those who come seeking a better life, too many Americans have turned to fear, rejection, and division.
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The Gospel of Jesus: A Call for Compassion and Justice
Jesus, the embodiment of God’s love and justice, emphasized the importance of caring for the needy and welcoming the stranger. Throughout His ministry, He repeatedly showed compassion to outsiders, including Gentiles, Samaritans, and others considered “unclean” by the religious elite of His time.
Matthew 25:35-36 – “For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.”
In this powerful passage, Jesus links care for the stranger to care for Him. He says that when we welcome immigrants and the marginalized, we are actually welcoming Him. This is a profound message that challenges the current narrative in America, where immigrants are often seen as a threat rather than a blessing.
Luke 10:30-37 – The Parable of the Good Samaritan:
In this famous parable, Jesus tells the story of a man who was robbed and left for dead. While a priest and a Levite passed by without offering help, a Samaritan—a group despised by the Jews—stopped and showed mercy. Jesus’ point was clear: True neighborly love knows no boundaries.
The Good Samaritan is a symbol of how we should treat those who are different from us—whether in terms of nationality, religion, or culture. Immigrants, often treated as “outsiders,” are no different. In fact, Jesus’ own ministry was about breaking down these walls of division.
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America’s Crisis: Turning Away From Biblical Principles
The Bible clearly condemns the rejection of immigrants and strangers. Yet, the current climate in America is increasingly hostile to those seeking refuge. In a nation that was founded on the ideals of liberty and justice, this contradiction is stark and disturbing.
1. The Rejection of Justice
Isaiah 10:1-2 – “Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness which they have prescribed; to turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take away the right from the poor of my people, that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless!”
When the powerful make laws that harm the vulnerable, they violate God’s command. America’s current treatment of immigrants is a violation of justice. The policies that strip away asylum, deport innocent people, and create barriers to legal immigration are unjust in the eyes of God.
2. The Sin of Greed and Exploitation
Amos 5:11 – “Forasmuch therefore as your treading is upon the poor, and ye take from him burdens of wheat: ye have built houses of hewn stone, but ye shall not dwell in them; ye have planted pleasant vineyards, but ye shall not drink wine of them.”
America, a land built on the labor of immigrants, now finds itself turning its back on those who have contributed to its prosperity. The workers who built the nation's infrastructure, farmed the fields, and served in countless other roles are often the same people now being pushed out. This is the sin of greed and exploitation—turning people into commodities to be used and discarded.
3. The Irony of Forgetting Our Roots
Deuteronomy 10:19 – “Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.”
America’s history is one of immigration, yet too many have forgotten this fundamental truth. The nation was built by the very people now being demonized. How can we reconcile our nation’s heritage with the policies and attitudes that seek to exclude immigrants today?
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The Call for America’s Spiritual Awakening
It is clear from the Bible that America is straying from its biblical foundations in how it treats immigrants and strangers. But there is still hope. God’s word calls for repentance, justice, and mercy. If we return to the values of compassion and love for our neighbors, we can heal this nation and restore its purpose.
Micah 6:8 – “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”
The challenge for America is clear: We must act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly. This means returning to the heart of what made this nation great—a willingness to welcome the stranger, care for the poor, and treat all people with dignity.
Zechariah 7:9-10 – “Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Execute true judgment, and shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother: And oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor; and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart.”
America must once again become a beacon of hope for the weary and oppressed. We must turn back to the values of justice and compassion, especially for those who come seeking refuge and a better life.
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Conclusion: The Choice America Must Make
America stands at a crossroads. Will it continue down the path of division, fear, and exclusion, or will it return to the principles that made it a land of opportunity and refuge? The Bible calls us to welcome the stranger, to love our neighbors, and to pursue justice for all people, regardless of their background or nationality.
As a nation built by immigrants, America must remember its roots and the divine command to care for the stranger. The irony of a country built by immigrants chasing immigrants away is a sign that we must act quickly—before the very principles that made this nation great are lost forever. The time to return to God's ways is now.
