In his Summa Theologiae, St. Thomas Aquinas writes that “Man’s relations with foreigners are twofold, peaceful and hostile, and in directing both kinds of relation the Law contained suitable precepts.”
The saint, therefore, does not treat the topic of immigration in modern overly-simplistic terms. Instead, his political theology offers a practical and perennial framework for discerning the relationship between the nation and those whom he refers to as “strangers” and “foreigners”.
So what does the great saint have to teach us about the modern immigration debate?
In his Summa Theologiae, Aquinas’ theory on immigration reflects a Golden Mean between indiscriminate openness and rigid exclusion, thoroughly grounded on the principles of natural and human — or positive — law, the common good (bonum commune), and order of charity (ordo caritatis), fostering peace and the conditions for virtuous life.
Because particular circumstances differ, those entrusted with authority must exercise prudence in applying these universal principles to particular examples. As a result, immigration — whether as a matter of entry, temporary residence, or permanent citizenship — falls under the realm of prudential judgment. It is never an absolute good or an absolute threat, but must be judged according to whether it serves the common good and the peace of the nation to which the sovereign owes their primary obligations to protect.
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