The point of reference for this topic is governments. They
are the ones who God has given responsibility to. In fact, in Romans 13
governments are given authority by God to act for all people groups. This means
that they must make decisions and have the power to enact them. It allows for
the government to determine who is a citizen and who isn’t, and who is allowed
to enter this country and who isn’t. Border protection isn’t wrong.
We are told more though. Governments are to do good for
their people (Romans 13:4) and to restrain wickedness (1 Peter 3:13-15). They
are described as servants of God (Romans 13:4), so they out to show
righteousness and mercy.
So how does this all help? Governments are free to deny
anyone entry into their country. That said, they must do what is right, in
particular to treaties they sign. The 1951 Refugee Convention which Australia
signed places an obligation on us to accept those who are fleeing and are unable
or, owing to such fear, are unwilling to avail themselves of the protection of their
own country.
Moreover, we need to treat those who arrive on our shores
humanely. Every person is made in the image of God and ought to be treated with
dignity. They cannot be the stick to wave at others.
Obviously this doesn’t solve all the dilemmas of the
people smugglers and the millions of refugees worldwide. What it does is
provide a framework within which the government must work to make choices and
enact them for the glory of God.
