I was going to write a long, scholarly article about the relationship between the Judeo-Christian tradition and America’s response to immigrants, but after reviewing what the biblical writers had to say about the issue I saw that I could add nothing of any real significance. So, I decided to let the Bible speak for itself.

“Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you.” (Genesis 12:1-2) (Abram, father of the world’s three greatest religions, begins his journeys as an immigrant.)

“There shall be one law for the native and for the alien who resides among you.” (Exodus 12:49 and Leviticus 24:22) (equality before the law)

“When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.” (Leviticus 19:33-34) (Treat them like I, your God, treated you.)

Moses to the people: “Give the members of your community a fair hearing, and judge rightly between one person and another, whether citizen or resident alien.” (Deuteronomy 1:16)

God “executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing.” (Deuteronomy 10:18) (So – do likewise)

“You shall not deprive a resident alien…of justice.” (Deuteronomy 24:17-18) “Cursed be anyone who perverts the justice due to the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’” (Deuteronomy 27:19)

Jeremiah, speaking at “the gate of the house”: “If you do not oppress the alien…then I will dwell with you in this place…” (Jeremiah 7:6). But if you do, “I will fling you away out of my sight.” (Jeremiah 7: 15) (Violators beware)

“The aliens shall be to you as citizens, and shall also be allotted an inheritance.” ( Ezekiel 47:21-22 )

Hounded by Herod, Jesus begins his life as an immigrant escaping political persecution: “… an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said to him, ‘Rise up, take the child and his mother and escape with them to Egypt.” (Matthew 2:13)

At the end of time, Jesus will separate the nations of the world into 2 groups, sheep and goats, according to how they treated the hungry, thirsty and immigrant: “…for I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” (Matthew 25:35)

Finally, the foundation upon which all just and equitable relationships are built and by which all Christian nations and individual Christians will be judged: “Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God…” 1 John 4:7-21

Is that clear enough for you?

Polk Culpepper is a retired Episcopal priest, former lawyer and a Washington resident.