The debates over immigration and immigration policy did not develop in recent memory. In fact, one could argue that the debates over this issue date back to antiquity. During Biblical times people did not agree with each other regarding immigration. Even the authors of the Scriptures had different opinions about immigration. Matthew and Paul are two New Testament authors who each discuss the topic of immigration in their writings. Matthew did so in the second chapter of his Gospel, and Paul, in the thirteenth chapter of his letter to the Romans.
In the Gospel of Matthew, the author discusses the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. Some people could argue that this story is an argument in favor of lenient immigration policies and international laws, especially those regarding refugees and asylum. Matthew mentions the dream that Joseph had about “an angel of the Lord” (Matthew 2:13) telling him to flee to Egypt with his wife and their new baby because King Herod was searching for baby Jesus in order to kill him since Herod did not want to believe that Jesus was the Messiah. This dream conversation is important because part of the context of Matthew is trying to convince people that Jesus is the Messiah.
