The massive increase in displaced people in the last decade (and more) is indeed a crisis, for “today’s migration makes up the greatest movement of people of all times” (Nguyen 80).  There are over 280 million migrants worldwide, both internally within their own countries and also externally, both through force and choice.  The 90 million forcibly displaced people make them equivalent to the fourth largest country in the world.  Among refugees in the narrow sense, that is, those fleeing their country due to persecution, half are children under eighteen.  Many children are born and grow up in refugee camps; contrary to the common thought that such camps are temporary, the average time a person spends in them is seventeen years!

Dozens of serious problems exist, and it seems overwhelming, but Blessed are the Refugees provides hope through telling a few specific stories of people making a difference.  Each chapter is written by a worker from Catholic Charities’ Esperanza Center in Baltimore about one of the thousands of young migrants the center helps.  There are nine main chapters, aligned with the eight beatitudes as well as Jesus’ final exhortation to “rejoice and be glad”.  Further, each chapter is illustrated with artwork by one of those aided by the center and her brother still in El Salvador, and each chapter concludes with a prayer.

The stories are heartbreaking but also inspiring and illuminating.  Those unfamiliar with the realities faced by refugees in their home countries as well as the system in the United States will find the chapters very revealing.  Most of the children Esperanza helps have fled violence, whether from gangs or within their own homes.  And the U.S. is more generous in accepting refugees than many realize, though the complex process often involves long wait times to have one’s case evaluated.

Nguyen’s book, What Does the Bible Say about Strangers, Migrants, and Refugees, specifically examines biblical resources for a variety of topics around migration.  Naturally, his own ideas about and commentary on current affairs are intermixed with the exegetical commentary.  He examines a wide range of issues and highlights a wealth of biblical connections.

Migration is quite a common motif, it turns out.  Of course, the two great center points are the Exodus and the Exile, but it begins with Abraham and even Adam and Eve are forced to migrate to a new land after the Fall.  Because Israel was a foreigner in Egypt, freed by God, they are commanded to remember the experience and treat other foreigners well.  Being on the move and away from home emerges as one of the most common experiences in the Old Testament, with much reflection on what it means existentially and morally.  Our whole lives are in fact a sojourn, as the title of Nguyen’s first chapter states.  Jesus himself has “nowhere to lay his head” during his ministry and more broadly has been sent by the Father into a foreign land.

Strangers, Migrants, and Refugees examines also warfare, trafficking, persecution, and inclusion/exclusion, not surprisingly.  Less expected but perfectly fitting are the chapters on natural disasters and climate change, women and children, fences and walls, missionaries, and the question of legality/documentation.  Some chapters are less directly biblical, offering more commentary and application of principles.  Though one may differ with some of Nguyen’s exegesis and application, this text provides a thoughtful foray into a wide range of scriptural foundations for thinking about a complex issue and hopefully encouragement towards action as well.