The Evangelicals for Biblical Immigration (EBI) sent a letter to Pres. Trump and GOP leadership advising them that they believe the Bible does not support open border ideals or should be used to support amnesty programs such as DACA. This letter comes as the Trump administration is finalizing their plan to end Pres. Obama’s unconstitutional executive amnesty.
“While some faith groups use selective Bible words for open borders and amnesty, we consider the whole counsel of scripture,” the letter reads. “We find that the bible does not teach open borders, but wise welcome.”
Phil Cohn, President of Christ for All Peoples; General William Boykin of the Family Research Council; Maria Espinoza of the Remembrance Project, an organization representing the families of those killed by illegal aliens; author Eric Metaxas; and Christian political advocate Rick Scarborough have all signed the letter.
“Though there are tragic stories on every side of illegal migration, for our elected officials, responsibility to oaths must prevail,” the letter continues. “In the policy decisions ahead, while treating undocumented people kindly, we ask that you would first and foremost honor often forgotten American citizens whose families have served our nation for many generations.”
Here's the letter in its entirety:
Honorable President Trump, Majority Leader McConnell and Speaker Ryan:
We agree that immigration reform and DACA are difficult subjects. God loves the foreigner. Indeed, God loves us all. It takes time to discern the balance of mercy and justice by which a nation thrives.
It is easier to speak publically of mercy, as we, and many, do. And, while loving mercy, who will also stand for justice to those citizens who cannot find a job due to cheaper foreign labor? Who will speak of the real cost of illegal immigration to our states? And while many non-citizens are good neighbors, who will stand for justice for Americans victimized by people here illegally who do not uphold our values and laws? And who will prevent more needless crime and death?
The Church is called to serve all people, and our Government leaders are elected to defend and uphold the Constitution and the rule of law. Though there are tragic stories on every side of illegal migration, for our elected officials, responsibility to oaths must prevail. Law and order sustain stability and peace. A nation of wise rule grows strong enough to sustain care for the vulnerable in our midst.
While some faith groups use selective Bible words for open borders and amnesty, we consider the whole counsel of Scripture. We find that the Bible does not teach open borders, but wise welcome. We are to welcome the lawful foreigner, who, like a convert, comes as a blessing (eg.s Ruth and Rahab). We also find Nehemiah building walls to protect citizens from harm. In Isaiah 1, we see God condemning the destruction of borders and indigenous culture.
All lives matter. The lives of North, Central and South Americans matter. The lives of Africans, Asians, Europeans and people from the Middle East matter. In Scripture, we learn that God placed us each in a family, a land, an epic story of creation, the fall and redemption. The Bible envisions a world of beautiful and unique nations, not a stateless “open society” run by global oligarchs. Each of us is called to be a blessing where God has placed us in the world.
In policy decisions ahead, while treating undocumented people kindly, we ask that you would first and foremost honor often forgotten American citizens whose families have served our nation for many generations, and the patient people who have applied lawfully to come here and to become citizens of the United States. These lives also matter. These people also dream.
Gratefully Yours,
David Barton
Founder, WallBuildersTimothy Barton
President, WallBuildersPaul Blair
President, Reclaiming America for ChristLt. Gen. William G. Boykin (Ret.)
Executive Vice President, Family Research CouncilMark Christian M.D.
Executive Director, Global Faith InstitutePhil Cohn
President, Christ for All PeoplesSteven Deace
CRTV host and Conservative Review contributorMaria Espinoza
Co-founder & National Director, The Remembrance ProjectBecky Gerritson
President, Wetumpka TEA Party (AL)
Founder, Born Free American, LLCE.W. Jackson
Bishop; Founder, Exodus Faith MinistriesJerry Johnson, Ph.D
President, National Religious Broadcasters (NRB)Kelly Kullberg
American Association of Evangelicals (AAE)Eric Metaxas, Host of The Eric Metaxas Show
Samuel Rohrer
Pastor; President, American Pastors Network (APN)
Former State Representative, PennsylvaniaRick Scarborough, D.Min.
Founder, Vision America ActionAubrey Shines
Bishop, International Communion of Evangelical Churches
Pastor, Glory to Glory Ministries, Tampa, FloridaElizabeth Yore, Esq.
International Child AdvocateJohn Zmirak, Ph.D
Journalist; author, The Politically Incorrect Guide to Catholicism
