The National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) commends the work of Representatives Tom Suozzi and Morgan Luttrell to launch a “Business, Bibles and Badges” coalition in Congress to advance long overdue legislation that addresses shortcomings in the nation’s border security and immigration systems. We thank these leaders and others for their principled efforts to build bipartisan consensus and offer specific, workable solutions to the border and immigration challenges dividing our nation.  

In 2009 the NAE lamented the growing stridency of the national debate over immigration policy, and pointed to these biblical foundations: 

Discussion of immigration and government immigration policy must begin with the truth that every human being is made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26–28). Immigrants are made in the image of God and have supreme value with the potential to contribute greatly to society. Jesus exemplifies respect toward others who are different in his treatment of the Samaritans (Luke 10:30–37; John 4:1–42).  

The Bible contains many accounts of God’s people who were forced to migrate due to hunger, war, or personal circumstances. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and the families of his sons turned to Egypt in search of food. Joseph, Naomi, Ruth, Daniel and his friends, Ezekiel, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther all lived in foreign lands. In the New Testament, Joseph and Mary fled with Jesus to escape Herod’s anger and became refugees in Egypt. Peter referred to the recipients of his first letter as “aliens” and “strangers,” perhaps suggesting that they were exiles within the Roman Empire. These examples from the Old and New Testaments reveal God’s hand in the movement of people and are illustrations of faith in God in difficult circumstances.

These principles are as relevant now as they were in 2009. The United States urgently needs legislation that will strengthen border security, reunite families, reform our asylum system to provide fair and timely protection for those fleeing persecution, and modernize channels for controlled, legal immigration that will treat people with dignity and meet workforce needs. 

We encourage all members of Congress, beginning with leadership in the House of Representatives, to support this immigration reform framework, strengthen these proposals, put the health of our nation before partisan electioneering, and ensure the passage of border and immigration reform in the weeks ahead.