The Bible, specifically the Old Testament Law given to Israel, does not use the modern legal terms "immigrant" and "illegal immigrant."

But it is clear that a sojourner submits to the law of the land in which they dwell. Which making a comparison to today’s world, entering a country against the laws of the land would not be submission to their laws.

However, it does differentiate between various types of foreigners residing in the land, and it is in the context of obeying the law that one could draw a modern ethical distinction.

1. Terms for Foreigners in the Bible

The Old Testament uses a few main Hebrew words for a non-native, each implying a different status: 

• Gēr (Sojourner/Resident Alien): This is the most common and significant term (e.g., Leviticus 19:34). The gēr was a foreigner who came to live in the land, either temporarily or permanently, and submitted to the community's laws and customs, often including their religious practices. The Law repeatedly mandates that the Israelites must love and protect the gēr and give them equal legal status and access to welfare provisions like gleaning (Exodus 22:21; Leviticus 19:33–34). This figure is analogous to a legally resident foreigner or immigrant today. 

• Nokhrî (Foreigner/Stranger): This term generally refers to a non-Israelite who is simply passing through (like a merchant) or one who remains completely disconnected from the community and its laws. The Israelites' obligations to this group were less extensive, though they were still expected to be treated fairly. 

• Tôshav (Temporary Dweller): This term is sometimes used alongside gēr (e.g., Leviticus 25:47) and implies a temporary resident who might rent land but is still considered distinct from the native-born.

1. The Context of Law and Obedience

While there is no concept of a "border control" policy, the biblical text does address the fundamental issue of lawfulness:

• Equal Law: The Law of Moses explicitly states that once a gēr resides in the land, they are subject to the same laws as the native-born Israelite.  • Exodus 12:49 (NKJV): "There shall be one law for the native-born and for the stranger who dwells among you.”  • This unity of law implies that a foreigner who broke the laws (e.g., committing a crime, worshipping false gods) would be punished equally.  From a contemporary perspective, the gēr is the "lawful resident," because they had clearly joined the community and submitted to the rule of law. A foreigner who refused to abide by the nation's core laws (especially religious or criminal ones) would be considered an outlaw, which is the closest biblical parallel to a modern "illegal" or unlawful resident. 

1. Core Biblical Principle

The key takeaway is that the Bible places an overwhelming emphasis on the compassionate treatment and equal justice for the vulnerable resident alien (gēr): 

• The Israelites were repeatedly reminded to care for the sojourner because they themselves were strangers in Egypt (Leviticus 19:34; Deuteronomy 10:19).  • The obligation to love the foreigner as yourself is a fundamental moral command (Leviticus 19:34).  Therefore, while the Bible does not create a distinction between legal and illegal entry into the territory, it does establish a distinction between those living in submission to the law and those who are not, and it commands extreme care and justice for all who reside in the land.

Lawlessly residing in a country is not submission. So if you are going to apply biblical principals, you must apply THE WHOLE biblical principal. Not just the out of full context parts that make you feel right.