What does the Bible say about immigrants and refugees?
Quick answer
God commands his people to welcome the stranger, love the foreigner, and remember they too were once strangers in Egypt. Compassionate hospitality toward immigrants and refugees is a deep biblical theme.
"You shall love the sojourner, therefore, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt" (Deuteronomy 10:19). The command echoes throughout the Law and Prophets.
Jesus identifies with the stranger: "I was a stranger and you welcomed me" (Matthew 25:35). How we treat refugees, he says, is how we treat him.
Christians may disagree on specific immigration policy, but love of neighbor and welcome of the vulnerable are non-negotiable starting points.
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Original BibleDawn answer · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.