In short, yes, it does. But does that only mean that illegal immigrants in the US should follow draconian COVID-19 polices? Must they abide by lockdown restrictions and distancing policies and receive experimental vaccines if mandated?
A more general question: How ought Christians live amid dramatic, political, and social upheaval? God calls Christians to a variety of stations and circumstances, but are there any general instructions for Christian behavior in times of toil and tumult? Thankfully, God has given us clear instruction. Take note of 2 Timothy 2:1-3:
First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.
While the degree of tranquility may vary with individual lives and callings, the basic, biblical framework for the life of a Christian in relation to the political reality in which he lives is to be a law-abiding, respectful, prayerful, and dependable citizen. He is to show honor to those in authority above him, and strive to live in peace with all men (as much as it depends on him). His commitment to righteousness may put him at odds with the authorities at times, but his general tenor is to model exemplary citizenship.
The specificity of the Christian’s obedience to authority is further illustrated in the oft quoted Romans 13:
Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. Therefore, it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.
– Romans 13:1–7
“Guard Our Witness”
During the COVID-19 saga, Christians, especially in the United States, were constantly assaulted with chiding to “guard their witness”. Pulpits, radio programs, popular blogs, television shows, and social media posts relentlessly reminded Christians that issues like masking, lockdowns, distancing, and eventually vaccines were not worth dividing over because Romans 13 already laid out the framework for how Christians were to behave.
Questioning or challenging the (nearly completely arbitrary) rules that had been laid out by our authorities would potentially “ruin our witness” and even damage the cause of Christ. When the COVID-19 vaccines became available, the reminders continued: protect your witness and get vaccinated. When they were mandated, Romans 13 was—again— profusely applied to our situation: The government has a duty to protect its people, and refraining from vaccination ruins our Christian witness.
Exegetical Judo
In an incredible display of hermeneutical acrobatics, many evangelical thought leaders and institutions over the last several years have been able to exposit Romans 13 whilst ignoring the passage as it relates to illegal immigrants entering the US. As the Biden administration spent four years welcoming millions of so-called “asylum seekers,” most progressive evangelicals focused on the importance of getting vaccinated or “standing with Ukraine.” However, in January of this year, a new crusade has been identified: saving the migrant from deportation.
Donald Trump’s November win was a surprise for many, but his continued commitment to carry out the “largest deportation in American History” is less so. Winning 56% of the “Christian vote” (an extremely broad category), Trump enjoyed even more support among self-described evangelicals. Among this massive demographic, the average, pew-sitting evangelical does not seem to be experiencing a significant moral quandary over the removal of unlawfully present people from the nation – but many evangelical leaders would like them to.
At the time of this writing, a propaganda campaign is waging against mass deportation policy by a conglomeration of progressive politicians, media outlets, and NGOs that include evangelical organizations. Stories of grandmas and “Missouri families” cruelly receiving deportation notices abound, as well as an increasing number of reminders that “millions of Christians could be deported.”
Rather than relying on biblical exposition to convince average American Christians of the necessity of inviting the world into their nation, illegal immigration apologists have been relying on simplistic platitudes. Using Old Testament vocabulary words has been the preferred method of shaming patriotic Christians who would like to live in a secure, culturally stable nation. “Showing kindness to the sojourner,” “Providing for the foreigner,” and, of course, “Rescuing the refugee” are favorite maxims.
A Consistent Scriptural Application
Bringing up Romans 13 to an open-borders evangelical will only confuse. Sadly, along with large swaths of the American church, they have not been taught to apply consistent hermeneutics to parse out biblical principles. The fact of the matter is that the most basic interpretation of Paul’s words in this section of Scripture demands that Christians take seriously crimes they’ve committed against the state. There is freedom in Christ, but not freedom to abuse and misuse that which belongs to others.
Illegal migrants are living in a sinful state, specifically, one in which they “have fear of authority.” Ultimately, they are also stealing. They utilize the overwhelming majority of benefits made available to American citizens without assuming the responsibilities of such. It’s difficult to even make a full application of Romans 13 to their position since many of them do not pay the same taxes and are not under the same subjugation. This is because the position is sinful in itself.
American Christians need not be ashamed to hold a consistent view of Romans 13. In fact, neither do Brazilian, Thai, or Hungarian Christians. Paul’s words to the church in Rome get to the heart of not only the Christian’s responsibility to government but also the purpose of government itself: to protect its people—not abstract people spread across the earth or whoever happens to be able to get to a place with better jobs, but the real, tangible people within the borders of a nation.
But Christians living in the US illegally need to understand their position is not one of righteousness. If they are deported, then they are not experiencing unbiblical injustice, but rather the appropriate consequences for their actions. For those waving the flags of other nations while protesting the potential removal of the one they’re occupying, God’s Word carries a chilling warning:
if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing.
-Romans 13:4b
