Father Jim Martin recently made the claim that Jesus, Mary, and Joseph were refugees.
He stated that Catholics and Christians are called by God to care for refugees and migrants. Catholic Charities is well known for its aid to ‘migrants’ crossing U.S. border, and groups like HeGetsUs put out commercials stating that Jesus was a refugee.
But is this true?
Let’s start with definitions.
The UN Refugee Agency states, “A refugee is someone who has been forced to flee his or her country because of persecution, war, or violence. A refugee has a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group. Most likely, they cannot return home or are afraid to do so. War and ethnic, tribal and religious violence are leading causes of refugees fleeing their countries.”
According to Merriam-Webster, a refugee is someone who flees his/her country of origin to escape danger or persecution and seek safety in another country.
Currently, Turkey is the single biggest host country for refugees. Most are from Syria, where conflict has displaced many since 2011.
Notice the distinction in both definitions: “his/her/their country”
In fact, Jesus et al. did not leave their own country.
“Jesus never left the Roman Empire. They didn’t escape from one country to another or cross an international border, as we would understand it. Instead, they left the Roman province of Judea to seek sanctuary in the Roman province of Aegyptus.” – Pastor Tim Barnett
Father Martin acknowledges this distinction by stating, “But, you know give me a break. They are fleeing Judea and Galilee. I doubt that they thought that Egypt was their homeland.”
Joesph knew exactly what he was doing at the direction of the Angel of the Lord and in fulfillment of direct prophecy. (Matt 2:13-15)
Jesus and family did flee their region due to the mandate coming from King Herod.
“Jesus was fleeing literal death. How many migrants today have legit asylum claims because their government is 100% persecuting them?” – Pastor Pat Tuck
Another strong distinction is that they also returned. (Matt 2:19)
Refugee agencies have co-opted terms and definitions to now include “migrants” and “immigrants” and to view them similarly to “refugees.”
The UNHCR works actively to guide and assist people crossing through Mexico to the southern border of the U.S.
Border Hawk has documented their involvement many times and showed the maps given to ‘migrants.’
Father Martin himself confuses these two terms and corrects himself in the video above.
Many of the ‘migrants’ we have encountered in Mexico and on the border come to the U.S. for economic reasons – “a better life” is the oft-quoted phrase.
The story of Joseph, Mary, and Jesus fleeing Judea includes no mention of laws broken, nor did they enter Egypt and begin taking handouts from the citizens there.
“They went with their own resources and for a limited time, fully intending to leave when the danger passed.” – Pastor Pat Tuck
Over 10 million illegal aliens entered our country illegally and without proper vetting during the Biden administration, and the vast majority of those who crossed were single adults, most of whom were men. These people bear no resemblance to Jesus and family.
Vested interest: Catholic Charities receives billions of dollars in federal aid to provide services for migrants. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has allocated hundreds of millions of dollars to offset costs incurred for services associated with “noncitizen migrant arrivals.”
In Fiscal Year 2024 alone, the Department of Homeland Security provided $640.9 million to non-federal entities (NGOs).
What about criminals? Immigration and Customs Enforcement is currently arresting hundreds of people daily and also lodging detainers for criminal aliens. Most of the people they are currently targeting are criminal aliens who are alleged gang members, kidnappers, drug offenders, sex traffickers, murderers, etc.
Are we to compare hardened criminals to the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?
Joseph, Mary, and Jesus were not refugees and bear no resemblance to the millions of people who have crossed our borders illegally and to claim otherwise is absurd.
Father Martin and others are using the Bible to guilt Christians into accepting the torrential flood of people who came across our borders during the prior administration.
What about U.S. citizens impacted by natural disasters who could have used the millions of dollars FEMA spent on illegal immigrants? What about the thousands of Americans whose lives have been lost or destroyed at the hands of illegal aliens?
What about us?
Matt 4:17 … “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”