America First, a patriotic phrase capable of stirring the heart of even the most apathetic member of society, almost as if it were the cry of a great general leading his wearied, yet re-invigorated troops into an all-or-nothing battle with less than favorable odds. One is tempted to conjure up images of a tattered Old Glory, barely visible through the hazy mix of gunpowder smoke and mist, the sound of the trumpet foretelling the impending doom of both friend and foe.

The topic of immigration has earned many headlines recently, though immigration itself is quite ancient. From the earliest recordings of history there have been accounts of people groups living in the midst of other people groups, or minorities among a majority. And though we may be tempted to think of it as a new trend, issue or threat, the reality is that it is not. Virtually all people groups in history have had to deal with the question of living in the same space with other people groups.