Immigration

Martha Simmons’ front-page article on immigration in the Sept. 14 issue — “United States among most welcoming countries of migrants” — was a good one. She noted that the United States receives more migrants than any other country in the world, and it also is 1 of 20 countries most likely to welcome them. I like that.

The article also asks how various statistics “square with recent immigration controversies, Judeo-Christian traditions and Christian’s obligations to welcome the sojourner?” With that question in mind, I would like to offer some background regarding the biblical sojourner.

James K. Hoffmeier, Old Testament scholar at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois, tells us that the Hebrew language has three terms to describe a foreigner (“ger,” “zar,” “nekhar”). He notes that some Bibles incorrectly render them all as “foreigner.”

The terms “zar” and “nekhar” refer to people passing through a foreign land or sojourners. The term “ger” and its verb forms refer to those who live in another land with permission of the host. Hoffmeier says, “The law is clear that ‘ger’ is not to be oppressed but to receive equal justice and have access to the social support systems of ancient Israel.” He then notes that “the law does not extend to the ‘zar’ and ‘nekhar’ such benefits and services. From this I conclude that ‘ger’ was viewed as a legal alien.”

Hoffmeier also says, “The mistake of some well-meaning Christians is to apply the biblical laws for the ‘ger’ to illegal aliens in America even though they do not fit the biblical legal and social definition.”

If we extend these biblical principles to our modern society, shouldn’t we conclude that those aliens who are here legally are to be treated like regular citizens? Of course. But shouldn’t those who have broken our laws and come here illegally be treated as law-breakers and not be given “access to the social support systems” of this country?

Vic Payne
Auburn, Ala.