This week has seen mass demonstrations all across the United States over the issue of immigration. Indeed this is a big issue. In order for there to be a strong and safe country, the borders must be safe and secure. However, many of those who are arguing for tougher immigration laws and are against giving amnesty to illegal immigrants also claim to base their views on Judaic Old-Testament values.
Indeed the United States was founded on Judaeo–Christian values and it is therefore appropriate to look back to those values for guidance in this fundamental issue.
In the Bible, the Children of Israel were commanded that, after conquering the Holy Land, they must be sensitive to the feelings of the stranger: "The stranger who lives with you should be as a citizen among you, and you should love him as yourself; for you were strangers in Egypt. I am the Lord your God" (Leviticus chapter 19: 33-34).
According to Jewish law, the Jewish government of the Land of Israel is responsible for the wellbeing of the "settled stranger" (this is the term found in the Bible: in the United States the equivalent would be a Green Card holder). Settled strangers must be given access to free medical treatment and treated fairly and equally in all financial and employment matters.
To be sure, however, a foreigner cannot just become a "settled stranger" in the Land of Israel without first showing suitability. In order to qualify, the candidate must first renounce idle worship and agree to live by the seven ethical laws known as the "Seven Noahide Laws."
For a Jewish homeland, the belief in monotheism and ethical conduct is the foundation stone of its society, and an idolater living amongst them is considered a real threat. In order for the country to maintain its unique character and values, idolatry cannot be tolerated. Hence, according to the Bible, a foreigner seeking to become a "settled stranger" must give assurances that he will not behave in a way that may threaten the equilibrium of the country and that he is willing to live up to the country’s immigration criteria.
This approach is both benevolent and fair. On the one hand, it safeguards the interests of the country; on the other hand, it gives the opportunity for all to become citizens.
The United States is a country that places freedom, tolerance, human rights and law and order among its supreme values and ideals. These are values that most US citizens are proud of and care deeply about and that must be preserved. Thus, any person who wants to become a US citizen should be forced to prove that his or her values are in step with American values and that s/he will not harm the character of the country.
At the same time, there is no doubt that the borders should be tightly controlled and illegal immigration must be dealt with. No country that cares about law and order can tolerate hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants entering each year. However, it would be both un-Judaic and therefore un-American to shun immigrants altogether. If the United States wants to maintain its Judaeo–Christian heritage, it must be sympathetic, kind and welcoming towards bona fide immigrants and those who seek asylum here.