by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief
(Worthy News) – House Speaker Mike Johnson delivered an extensive biblical and constitutional defense of border security this week, arguing that enforcing immigration law is not only consistent with America’s founding principles but firmly grounded in Scripture itself. Johnson’s remarks followed House passage of a funding package ending a partial government shutdown and came amid renewed debate over immigration, deportations, and the moral obligations of government.
In a detailed written statement and subsequent comments to reporters, Johnson rejected claims that the Bible supports open borders, saying such arguments rely on isolated verses stripped of context. He addressed Leviticus 19:34—often cited by open-border advocates—explaining that the command to love the stranger was directed to individual believers, not civil authorities. “Context is critical,” Johnson emphasized, noting that Scripture repeatedly distinguishes between personal moral conduct and the responsibilities of government.
Johnson pointed to the Old Testament example of Nehemiah, who led the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls amid external threats. Far from being condemned, Johnson noted, Nehemiah’s actions were praised as righteous and necessary to protect the people (Nehemiah 2–6). “Borders and walls are biblical,” Johnson said, describing them as defensive tools designed to preserve order and prevent chaos, not instruments of hatred or exclusion.
Turning to the New Testament, Johnson cited Romans 13:1–4, which teaches that civil authorities are ordained by God to maintain order, “bear the sword,” and punish wrongdoing. He also referenced Ecclesiastes 8:11, warning that when crime goes unpunished, lawlessness spreads. According to Johnson, Scripture makes clear that government has a divine mandate to enforce laws, including immigration laws, to protect innocent life and uphold justice.
Johnson further addressed Matthew 25:31–40, frequently invoked in immigration debates, where Jesus speaks of welcoming “the stranger.” He argued that Jesus’ words were spoken to His disciples as a call to personal compassion and charity, not as a policy framework for national borders. “Christians are commanded to love, serve, and show mercy,” Johnson said, “but Scripture never removes the responsibility of government to maintain law and order.”
The speaker also emphasized the biblical expectation of assimilation, noting that throughout Scripture, sojourners who entered a nation were expected to live under its laws and respect its customs. Immigration itself, Johnson stressed, is not condemned in the Bible — but lawlessness is. Allowing mass illegal entry without enforcement, he argued, undermines both compassion and justice.
On policy, Johnson placed responsibility for the current border crisis on what he described as dozens of deliberate actions by the Biden administration. He accused former President Joe Biden of dismantling effective enforcement measures, resulting in what Johnson called an unprecedented humanitarian and national security disaster. He cited estimates that more than 10 million illegal aliens entered the U.S. during Biden’s term, including violent criminals and hundreds of individuals flagged on terrorist watchlists, alongside a surge in drug trafficking and fentanyl deaths.
Johnson also pointed to long-standing federal authority allowing presidents to restrict entry when it threatens national interests, underscoring that border enforcement is both lawful and historically bipartisan. He argued that America’s generosity and compassion are only sustainable when grounded in sovereignty and security.
The debate intensified after Johnson was asked to respond to comments by Pope Leo, who has emphasized humane treatment of migrants while denying support for open borders. Johnson said Scripture fully supports treating migrants humanely, but does not require governments to abandon enforcement. “We love the people on the outside,” he said, “because we love the people on the inside.”
In a longer essay later posted online, Johnson outlined what he described as four God-ordained spheres of authority — individual, family, church, and civil government — each with distinct responsibilities. He concluded that when Scripture is used to justify open borders, it must be corrected with proper biblical teaching. According to Johnson, justice and mercy work together, and strong border security is not only compatible with Christian faith, but an expression of it.
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
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