Today we will talk about bible verses on immigration. Many Christians do not know what this means. Be on the mode of meditation as we read through God’s word. We will walk gently through scripture, seeking guidance on how we are to welcome, protect, and care for those who come from other lands. As a community, we look for ways the Bible helps us think about compassion, justice, and hospitality. We will learn practical lessons and spiritual truths that shape how we treat strangers and newcomers. Let us open our hearts and minds, listening together for how God calls us to act towards migrants, refugees, and the foreigner who lives among us. We will encourage one another and remember that these passages ask us to choose mercy and fairness. As we read, we will ask God for wisdom to apply these words in our homes, churches, and neighborhoods so that we might reflect God’s love in real ways. Let this time be a gentle good teaching for our lives and a call for faithful care.
bible verses on immigration
Key Verse
We begin with a central verse that captures the heart of many bible verses on immigration. This scripture invites us to love and treat the stranger as one of us, reminding us of our own history and God’s claim on our lives.
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.” – Leviticus 19:34
bible verses on immigration
Hospitality and Welcoming the Stranger
When we read bible verses on immigration, we often find a clear call toward hospitality. In this subtopic we reflect on how hospitality is not merely etiquette but an expression of deep spiritual obedience. We see in scripture that welcoming the stranger is connected to remembering our own vulnerability and history. As a community, we notice how hospitality in the Bible is practical: feeding, sheltering, and caring for those who have nowhere else to go. We also see that hospitality can be a way God brings blessings to both the giver and the receiver. We should approach this topic with both humility and joy, knowing that small acts of welcome can mirror God’s greater welcome for us. These bible verses on immigration teach us that opening our homes and hearts is a way to live out the gospel. We admit that it can be difficult, that systems and fears exist, but the biblical pattern asks us to practice a countercultural hospitality that values human dignity. As we learn together, we encourage one another to develop habits of welcome in our families, congregations, and neighborhoods. We will let Scripture shape our attitudes by reminding us that strangers are beloved by God and worthy of care. Through this we find a faith that is lived and generous, and we are reminded that welcome often has powerful spiritual results for all involved.
Hebrews 13:2
“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” – Hebrews 13:2
Matthew 25:35
“For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:” – Matthew 25:35
Luke 10:33-34
“But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion, And went to him, and bound up his wounds…” – Luke 10:33-34
Deuteronomy 10:19
“Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.” – Deuteronomy 10:19
bible verses on immigration
God’s Care for the Foreigner
As we read bible verses on immigration together, we notice a steady theme: God Himself defends and cares for those who are foreign or without protection. This idea invites us to reflect about God’s character — not distant, but actively concerned with justice and kindness toward those who are vulnerable. When we understand that God executes judgment for the fatherless, loves the stranger, and sustains the oppressed, we are moved to respond in similar ways. In our communities, this might mean advocating for fair treatment, offering resources, and praying for those who are displaced. We also learn from the Bible that God’s care often shows up through ordinary people who act compassionately. The scriptures remind us that our welcome to the stranger is more than a social duty; it is participating in God’s loving work. This recognition shifts our perspective: when we care for a foreigner, we are serving God’s purposes. Listening to these bible verses on immigration helps us cultivate hearts that look outwards, not just inwards, and teaches us how to transform empathy into action. We must also be honest that our response will sometimes be imperfect and challenging, but these passages strengthen our hope that small, steady acts of justice and mercy reflect God’s intent for a fairer, more loving world. Practically, we commit to learning, to listening to migrants’ stories, and to supporting policies and practices grounded in dignity and God’s compassion.
Deuteronomy 10:18
“He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, to give him food and raiment.” – Deuteronomy 10:18
Exodus 22:21
“Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.” – Exodus 22:21
Psalm 146:9
“The LORD preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down.” – Psalm 146:9
Isaiah 58:7
“Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?” – Isaiah 58:7
Zechariah 7:9
“Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Execute true judgment, and shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother:” – Zechariah 7:9
bible verses on immigration
Justice, Fairness, and Protection
Reading bible verses on immigration leads us to think about justice. The Bible frequently commands fairness in courts, protection for the weak, and impartial treatment for everyone — including strangers. As a community, we recognize that laws and systems matter; the way a society treats newcomers reveals whether justice is practiced widely or only for some. These scriptures ask us to guard the rights of those who might be overlooked: the poor, the orphan, and the foreigner. We learn from God’s words that showing partiality is wrong and that righteous judgment must be blind to social rank or nationality. This impacts how we, as churches and individuals, can advocate for fair policies and resist systems that exploit or dehumanize migrants. The Bible’s teaching on justice also gives us moral courage: it calls us to speak up and to defend the vulnerable. When we act, we do so not merely from political opinion but from covenantal principles rooted in God’s character. Practically, this could mean supporting fair labor practices, ensuring access to legal help, or educating our neighbors so that everyone can receive just treatment. These bible verses on immigration encourage us to see justice as a daily practice — in our speech, our votes, and our community actions — and to pursue it lovingly and persistently.
Leviticus 19:15
“Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.” – Leviticus 19:15
Proverbs 31:8-9
“Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.” – Proverbs 31:8-9
Psalm 82:3
“Defend the poor and fatherless: do justice to the afflicted and needy.” – Psalm 82:3
Deuteronomy 27:19
“Cursed be he that perverteth the judgment of the stranger, fatherless, and widow. And all the people shall say, Amen.” – Deuteronomy 27:19
Exodus 23:9
“Also thou shalt not oppress a stranger: for ye know the heart of a stranger, seeing ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.” – Exodus 23:9
bible verses on immigration
Laws about Immigrants and Gleaning
Many bible verses on immigration explain concrete laws that were meant to protect the poor and the foreigner, such as gleaning rules and provisions for those without land. These instructions encouraged landowners to leave parts of their harvest for those in need — a built-in social safety net. As we read, we see a pattern: God wanted systems so people could find food and dignity without depending on charity alone. This practical concern for the vulnerable is a strong theme. When we consider modern immigration questions, these ancient laws remind us that policy should include practical care for those who are displaced. The biblical approach blends moral duty with structural solutions: a piece of law that ensures a person can feed their family. For our lives, it means supporting programs and community practices that help newcomers become stable and self-sustaining. We also learn humble lessons about stewardship: what we own is to be used for the good of neighbors, including foreigners. These bible verses on immigration encourage us to design systems and habits that protect those in need, and they challenge us to think about hospitality as both personal kindness and civic responsibility.
Deuteronomy 24:19
“When thou cuttest down thine harvest in thy field, and hast forgot a sheaf in the field, thou shalt not go again to fetch it: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow…” – Deuteronomy 24:19
Deuteronomy 14:29
“And the Levite, and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, which are within thy gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied.” – Deuteronomy 14:29
Leviticus 23:22
“And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not make clean riddance of the corners of thy field… and I will bless thee.” – Leviticus 23:22
Deuteronomy 24:17
“Thou shalt not pervert the judgment of the stranger, nor of the fatherless; nor take a widow’s raiment to pledge.” – Deuteronomy 24:17
Deuteronomy 15:11
“For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land.” – Deuteronomy 15:11
bible verses on immigration
Compassion, Mercy, and Charity
When we study bible verses on immigration, there is a strong, repeated invitation for us to be merciful and charitable. Mercy is not only feeling sympathy; it is active care — feeding, sheltering, defending, and working for restitution. The prophets and Jesus himself pressed for hearts that do justice and love mercy. As a group, we are challenged to see charitable acts as spiritual formation: as we help the stranger, we grow in compassion. These verses teach that faith and mercy are intertwined — a faith that does not care for the vulnerable is incomplete. We should also recognize that mercy has a public dimension: it influences how communities set priorities and spend resources. These passages push us to think beyond short-term relief toward practices that restore dignity and give hope. They ask us to embrace the stranger with practical kindness, and they reassure us that such kindness is pleasing to God. In our daily choices and church ministries, we can let these bible verses on immigration shape how we allocate time, money, and prayer for migrants and refugees. The end is not to point to our own goodness but to reflect God’s steadfast mercy in the world.
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?” – Micah 6:8
Isaiah 1:17
“Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.” – Isaiah 1:17
Jeremiah 22:3
“Thus saith the LORD; Execute ye judgment and righteousness, and deliver the spoiled out of the hand of the oppressor… do no violence to the stranger, nor the fatherless, nor the widow…” – Jeremiah 22:3
James 2:8
“If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well.” – James 2:8
Romans 12:13
“Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.” – Romans 12:13
bible verses on immigration
Refugees, Asylum, and Protection
Bible verses on immigration speak clearly about refuge. God is described as a refuge for the oppressed, and people in need are called to find shelter and help. This theme is woven through Psalms, prophets, and narratives where God protects those with urgent need. When we read these passages, we must consider how communities today can create safe spaces for those fleeing danger. Faith asks us to be places of refuge — both in our homes and in our advocacy. The stories of Ruth and other biblical characters show hospitality that leads to restoration and dignity. As a community, we learn to balance prudent safety with generous welcome, knowing some risk exists but recognizing that vulnerability calls us to action. These bible verses on immigration do not offer easy policy answers, but they do set moral priorities: protect the persecuted, give asylum to the needy, and resist abuse. Our responsibility includes prayer, practical aid, and supporting systems that offer genuine protection. By practicing these principles, we reflect God’s sheltering love and bring hope to people whose lives have been uprooted.
Psalm 9:9
“The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.” – Psalm 9:9
Ruth 2:2
“And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace.” – Ruth 2:2
Ruth 2:15-16
“And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves… and said unto her, Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens.” – Ruth 2:15-16
Jeremiah 7:5-7
“If ye will run with the footmen, and be swift to hear; then shall ye say, We will run after the horses… If ye do well, and give ear to these sayings, then will I cause you to dwell in this place…” – Jeremiah 7:5-7
Acts 17:26
“And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth…” – Acts 17:26
bible verses on immigration
Inclusion and Unity in Christ
Many bible verses on immigration point to a deeper spiritual truth: in Christ there is no dividing wall. Scripture emphasizes that our identity in Christ transcends ethnic and national differences. As we study these verses, we see a vision of a community where distinctions of origin do not determine status or love. This is a powerful corrective to attitudes that reduce people to categories. The Bible’s teaching on unity encourages us to see immigrants as full members of God’s household, capable of contributing richly to the body of Christ. Practically, this means including newcomers in worship, leadership, and service — not as outsiders, but as family. As a church, we learn that unity does not erase diversity; rather, it welcomes and celebrates it. These bible verses on immigration remind us that embracing unity requires work: learning languages, sharing meals, and building cross-cultural friendships. When we invest in unity, our communities become stronger, more faithful witnesses to God’s reconciling love. We are called to be intentional about hospitality that leads to membership and partnership, not merely temporary aid.
Galatians 3:28
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” – Galatians 3:28
Ephesians 2:19
“Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;” – Ephesians 2:19
Colossians 3:11
“Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.” – Colossians 3:11
Matthew 22:39
“And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” – Matthew 22:39
Luke 14:13
“But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind:” – Luke 14:13
bible verses on immigration
Authorities, Citizenship, and Our Responsibilities
Bible verses on immigration also speak about how we live in society: submission to authority, caring for the city where we dwell, and honoring leaders are themes that shape our civic engagement. These passages do not remove our responsibility to pursue justice, but they frame how we engage public life with humility and faithfulness. We are reminded to obey lawful authority while also advocating for fairness and protection for the vulnerable. Scripture encourages us to seek the good of the places where God has placed us, including the welfare of the communities that host immigrants. This can mean participating in legal processes, supporting compassionate policy, and engaging in respectful dialogue about concerns. In doing so, we model a faith that is both godly and socially responsible. These bible verses on immigration guide us in balancing loyalty to our communities with a higher loyalty to God’s justice. We are thus called to be constructive citizens who love our cities and neighbors, including newcomers, by seeking their welfare and the common good.
Romans 13:1
“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.” – Romans 13:1
1 Peter 2:17
“Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.” – 1 Peter 2:17
Philippians 3:20
“For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.” – Philippians 3:20
Jeremiah 29:7
“And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives… and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.” – Jeremiah 29:7
Matthew 25:40
“And the King shall answer and say unto them… Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” – Matthew 25:40
bible verses on immigration
Mercy in Practice: Feeding, Shelter, and Care
Bible verses on immigration often highlight concrete acts: feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, caring for orphans and widows. These practical expressions of mercy are repeated throughout Scripture. They teach us that faith is shown by how we treat people with immediate needs. We cannot separate worship from action; mercy is an active response to suffering. The Bible calls us to open our hands, share our food, and advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves. In our churches and neighborhoods, this looks like meal programs, shelter, language help, legal assistance, and friendship. These ministries are discipleship opportunities: as we serve migrants, we become more like the Christ who served. We also see that mercy is persistent — ongoing care is better than one-off charity. These bible verses on immigration urge us to give consistently and to build systems that protect dignity. The call is humble but radical: to see in every newcomer a neighbor made in God’s image and to let our mercy become a clear witness of God’s love in action.
Isaiah 56:6
“Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, even them will I bring to my holy mountain…” – Isaiah 56:6
Ephesians 4:32
“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” – Ephesians 4:32
James 1:27
“Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” – James 1:27
Luke 10:27
“And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart… and thy neighbour as thyself.” – Luke 10:27
Psalm 82:4
“Deliver the poor and fatherless: rid them out of the hand of the wicked.” – Psalm 82:4
bible verses on immigration
Blessings of Inclusion and Community
Finally, bible verses on immigration paint a hopeful picture: inclusion leads to blessing, unity, and new life. The early church showed what it looks like when people share their goods and welcome one another. Scripture promises that God blesses communities that dwell together in unity and welcomes those who respond in faith. As we live out our call to welcome migrants, we find that our faith communities become richer — in gifts, cultures, testimonies, and strength. Inclusion is not a loss of identity but a deepening of who we are as the body of Christ. These verses remind us that our work of welcome participates in God’s reconciling work: dividing walls are torn down and new families are formed. We are called to celebrate that transformation and to be agents of blessing. When we open our tables and churches, God multiplies love and hope. These bible verses on immigration encourage us to see inclusion as both mission and blessing, and to step forward with faith and humility into this work.
Acts 2:44
“And all that believed were together, and had all things common;” – Acts 2:44
Psalm 133:1
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” – Psalm 133:1
Hebrews 13:1
“Let brotherly love continue.” – Hebrews 13:1
Matthew 5:44
“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you…” – Matthew 5:44
John 10:16
“And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.” – John 10:16
Final Thoughts
I have loved gathering these bible verses on immigration because they remind us that Scripture speaks often and clearly about how we treat strangers. We see a consistent picture: God cares for the foreigner, calls us to hospitality, demands justice, and invites all people into community. I find this both challenging and encouraging.
We can be practical people of faith: giving food, shelter, legal help, and friendship, while also advocating for fair and humane systems. As we act together, our lives become truer to God’s heart. We will be shaped by mercy, justice, and hospitality in daily practices that welcome the stranger.
Let us pray, learn, and serve with humility, knowing that welcoming the stranger reflects God’s welcome to us. We will go forward in hope, doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with our God.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4
Bible Commentary, Blog
30 Important bible verses about selflessness (With Explanation)