Ruth and the unaccompanied minors from Central America: Ethical perspectives on a socioeconomic problem

The migration of minors from Central America in the latter part of 2013 brought the issue of immigration to the fore of the national debate. The uproar that this flood of immigrants caused was well-documented in several media outlets with images that were heartbreaking. The book of Ruth offers a compelling case that provides the reader with a deeper understanding of the influence that socio-economic problems have on migration. It also exemplifies the charitable treatment of the foreigner according to the laws in the Torah, and the opportunities that welcoming the migrant brings to a nation. In this article, I argue that these aspects of the book of Ruth offer us a way to contextualize this story with the accounts of the migrants coming to the US, and it compels us to advocate for the humane treatment and possible integration of this people to our communities. The book of Ruth is about faith in action; it is a live text that should move us to advocate for the needy, especially for those who are fleeing death and extreme poverty.