House Speaker Mike Johnson: The Bible Supports Strong Borders

House Speaker Defends Immigration Enforcement with Scripture

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) issued a detailed biblical defense of border security and immigration enforcement, arguing that strong national borders align with Scripture and are a responsibility of civil government. The statement, posted on X yesterday, came in response to a reporter’s question during a Capitol Hill press gaggle following a House vote that ended a partial government shutdown.

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The query referenced recent comments from Pope Leo XIV, who cited Matthew 25:35 to critique deportation policies under the Trump administration, urging compassion for migrants. Johnson promised a fuller explanation and shared a lengthy post—originally drafted during the Biden administration—countering claims that open-border policies are the only faithful Christian stance.

In the press gaggle following today's vote, I was asked to defend the Biblical case for border security and immigration enforcement. I did so, and then promised to post a longer explanation that I drafted during the Biden Administration. Here it is, and I hope it's helpful:… pic.twitter.com/tHC4kf7uEC

— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) February 3, 2026

Context Is Critical: Addressing Leviticus 19:34

Johnson, a constitutional lawyer and born-again Christian began by addressing the verse most frequently cited by advocates for lenient immigration policies: Leviticus 19:34 (KJV): “But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.”

He stresses that context is critical. This command was given to individual Israelites during their wilderness journey, before entering the Promised Land—not as a directive to civil government. Johnson highlights the Bible’s distinction between four spheres of authority ordained by God:

• – Individuals: Accountable for personal conduct and loving neighbors as themselves.
• – Families: Responsible for raising children and providing for relatives.
• – The Church: Tasked with discipleship and ministry.
• – Civil Government: Established to uphold laws, maintain order, punish evil, and “bear the sword” as “the minister of God” (Romans 13:1-4, KJV).

Commands to show mercy, forgive, or care for “the least of these” (Matthew 25:31-40) apply to believers personally, not to governments. Ignoring laws or crime, Johnson argues, violates the government’s God-given role, as “when a crime is not punished quickly, people feel it is safe to do wrong” (Ecclesiastes 8:11).

Borders Are Biblical

Johnson asserts that borders and distinct nations are affirmed throughout Scripture:

• – God establishes nations (Genesis 18:18, Acts 17:26).
• – Commands protect boundary stones (Deuteronomy 19:14, 27:17).
• – Nehemiah’s rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls is portrayed as noble, godly work (Nehemiah 1-6).

He quotes Rev. Franklin Graham: “Why do you lock your doors at night? Not because you hate the people on the outside, but because you love the people on the inside so much.” Secure borders, Johnson stated, are defensive measures to safeguard life and prevent chaos—not offensive or unchristian.

Johnson critiques “globalist” visions of borderless utopias as contrary to biblical teaching on human fallenness and the need for redemption through Christ.

The Current Situation and Call for Action

The Speaker describes the southern border as facing a “catastrophe” from prior policies, citing over 10 million illegal entries, including military-aged men, criminals, terrorist watchlist suspects, human trafficking, and fentanyl as the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18-45.

He advocates for legal immigration pathways, proper asylum processes, and urges the use of existing presidential authorities, such as 8 U.S.C. 1182(f), to restrict entries detrimental to U.S. interests.

An Authentic Christian Response

Johnson concludes that America’s benevolence stems from its Judeo-Christian foundations, but sovereignty and safety must be preserved. Border security is not partisan but common sense, fully authorized by the Bible. Christians are called to personal charity, selfless service, and defending the defenseless—while also ensuring just government. “Justice and mercy are not mutually exclusive,” he writes, citing Micah 6:8.

“Despite the unfounded claims of the Left, supporting a strong national border is a very Christian thing to do. The Bible tells us so.”