Extreme Vetting of Immigrants – A Biblical View – Randy W. Williams

ByPastor Randy Williams

Extreme Vetting of Immigrants – A Biblical View – Randy W. Williams

Does the Bible have anything to say about the concept of vetting an immigrant? Does it address extreme vetting?

“To vet” means “to appraise, verify, or check for accuracy, authenticity, validity.” We can assume that to add the term “extreme” would mean to do a very thorough job of vetting someone. So, if someone was entering our country and represented themselves as “ABC” then we should be able to verify that they actually are “ABC.” This is the idea of vetting a person whether for political office, a job or as an immigrant.  There seems to be nothing inherently wrong about simply asking someone to prove that their statements about themselves are accurate.

Of course, those who oppose “borders” also oppose the act of vetting someone.  Vetting for immigrants implies that there is a requirement to enter a country.  Progressive socialists are generally opposed to having borders and believe anyone should be able to freely enter regardless of motive – those who seek asylum, those who seek a better life, those who seek welfare, or those who seek to subvert, overthrow or change the political landscape. They therefore reject vetting of anyone who wants entrance into another land.

Let’s Examine Scripture.

I often hear, “What would Jesus do? He would love everyone and let them come in (implying without vetting).” While that sounds really “feel-goody” it just doesn’t jive with the facts of Scripture.

The Lord Jesus said, “I am the door of the sheep. All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. (John 10:7-10).

1. He tells us He offers an opportunity for a better life – as sheep we can find pasture in his sheepfold and under his care; we can be safe from the attack of others and we can enjoy abundant living. That’s a good and enticing thing.

2. He tells us that He is the Door – a door implies three things:

• that there is a wall and this is the opening,
• that there is a barrier to entrance, not just anyone and everyone can come in, and
• that there is the possibility that the door will open.

3. He tells us that He pays attention to who comes for entrance – His vetting system is flawless. He sees the very nature of a man. Some do not qualify to gain entrance. They possess motives of destruction and to let them in will harm the sheep. You might say that humanity is not sending their best to His sheepfold, but actually, that is humanity’s best – we all have sinned and don’t deserve to be in His sheepfold. So rejection is what we deserve, and change is what we need.

4. He tells us that He has a qualifying system to change the entrant – the fact that “all” who come are disqualified and yet some get in (“if anyone enters by Me”) implies that He has provided the qualifying process and that He is willing to vet those at the door who are willing to qualify on His terms. As a Christian I understand that His redemption paid the price for my entrance and that His regeneration power makes me a new creature to be vetted for entrance.

Let’s Apply This Insight to America

1. America presents a place for a better life – that’s why we allow about one million legal immigrants each year. Assimilated immigrants help build our republic.

2. There is a wall – it’s called a vetting process. It keeps out everyone until they have been verified and qualified. Then they are welcome! This pathway to entrance and eventually to citizenship is what entices others to hope and dream and to desire to come to America.

3. Illegal immigration is a problem – those sneaking in can cause harm to those already here. Common sense tells us that this needs to be stopped. When politicians put potential votes ahead of safety for Americans they are derelict in their duty. 

4. When the “paper wall” is insufficient or disregarded then a physical wall must be built – just ask other nations! Every nation understands the need to protect its citizens. If foreigners do not respect the legal requirements, then physical action must be taken to restrain an illegal invasion. That principle is why I lock my doors day and night.

I grew up in a time when nobody locked a door. A locked door was for secrets and privacy not for safety.  But society changed. There became less respect for property and lives. To best protect our families, we have not only learned to lock our doors but we now install security devices.  It testifies of our time that Biblical values have decreased and secular values have risen.

To those who oppose borders and deplore vetting of visitors I say: leave your house and car unlocked at all times and allow “visitors” come in, regardless of motive and intent. Let them eat your food, sleep in your bed, wear your close, use your utilities and watch whatever channels on your cable they want while you pay the bill. Lose your bodyguard and sell your weapons.  Simply put, live out your creed. When you have proven that you can trust all who come your way, after years of demonstration, then let’s talk about open borders and vetting.

Until then, I choose to follow the Lord’s example and work through channels that vet our visitors and enable them to enter and enjoy our prosperity.