Language Matters: 'Undocumented' vs 'Illegal'

Can We Welcome the Stranger and Uphold the Law?

How should Christians think about immigration, the border crisis, and refugees—without getting trapped in partisan talking points? In this Good Faith podcast episode, host Curtis Chang sits down with Jennie Murray, president of the National Immigration Forum, to explore a faith-informed approach to U.S. immigration policy. They explore why the U.S. immigration system is so broken and confusing, the tension between compassion and the rule of law, how immigration affects jobs, labor shortages, and the economy, all while debunking myths about crime, fentanyl, and "open borders." (02:34) - Christian first or American first? Identity and immigration (06:01) - Compassion vs rule of law? (10:36) - How the immigration system is failing (14:09) - What really drives migration (18:21) - Labor, talent, and the U.S. economy (22:12) - Who counts as "illegal" or "undocumented"? (31:27) - Law, grace, and the gospel (37:34) - Crime, fentanyl, and fear-based narratives (48:03) - What ordinary Christians can do

Episode Guide for Personal and Group Study

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Mentioned In This Episode:

• TRAC: Immigration numbers and research
• Refugee resettlement ceilings and numbers caps: Migration Policy Institute
• A Turning Point for the Unauthorized Immigrant Population in the United States
• Gallup Polling: Surge in U.S. Concern About Immigration Has Abated
• Pew Research Research: Majority of Americans to say immigrants strengthen the U.S.
• Pew Research: U.S. Unauthorized Immigrant Total Dips to Lowest Level in a Decade
• Lifeway/World Relief Research Study: Evangelical Views on Immigration Study
• Pew Research: Support for Legal Status for Immigrants Illegally Ariving as Children
• Bill Summary: Dream Act of 2025
• CATO Institute: 72% Believe Immigrants Enter the U.S. for Jobs & to Improve Their Lives

Referenced Scripture:

• Leviticus 19:34 (ESV) - The foreigner residing among you
• Matthew 25:35-36 (ESV) - Treatment of the stranger

International Comparison Stories:

• Reuters, Nov 2022: Canada's immigration targets to fill workforce gaps/support economic growth
• DW News, June 2023: Germany aims to make it easier for non-nationals to work there
• The Guardian, April 2023): Australia targets skilled migrants to fill critical job vacancies
• BBC News, Dec 2023): "The UK government is responding to workforce shortages by expanding visa opportunities for foreign workers

More From Jennie Murray and National Immigration Forum:

• More about Jennie Murray
• Learn more about National Immigration Forum
• Engage with Resources from National Immigration Forum

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The Good Faith Podcast is a production of a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan organization that does not engage in any political campaign activity to support or oppose any candidate for public office. Any views and opinions expressed by any guests on this program are solely those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Good Faith.