What has the first chapter of Genesis to do with the problem of illegal immigration in the United States?

The answer is “nothing,” “nada,” “zilch.” But it is amazing what people discover in the Bible. Take the case of Joseph C. Phillips. He has found in the first chapter of Genesis a solution that teaches our leaders how to proceed with the immigration problem in the United States. He wrote:

“The first chapters of the book of Genesis in the Old Testament serve as a reminder that in everything there is a process. Though the Almighty Himself was engaged in what could be termed comprehensive reform of the universe, even he accomplished it in several steps over six days. In fact, it actually took longer. God rested on the seventh day and then continued working and has been tinkering ever since.”

“Immigration reform should be approached in a similar manner, and must begin with control of our borders and discouraging illegal immigration by vigorously enforcing current immigration law and punishing businesses that hire illegal workers. America must be able to control who crosses our borders, why and for how long they stay.”

The statement, “Immigration reform should be approached in a similar manner,” means what? A “comprehensive reform of the universe?” Reforms of our immigration laws “in several steps over six days?”

Maybe the solution to the immigration problem in the United States, according to the first chapter of Genesis, is for our officials to continue working on the problem, tinkering with solutions, and then rest on the seventh day. By the way, the statement that God rested on the seventh day is found in the second chapter of Genesis.

Claude Mariottini
Emeritus Professor of Old Testament
Northern Baptist Seminary

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