Discussing a fluid, current event is difficult. This is especially true when the topic in question is a sensitive issue that naturally obstructs comprehension, as well as distorting honest reporting.The issue of the migrant caravan, along with migration trends across the globe are imperative to follow. This is a watershed moment, and has potential to have lingering consequences.
The continent of Europe experienced a wave of migration a few years ago. Migrants fled from Africa and the Middle East in droves. More than 1.8 million arrived within a three-year span. They were a collective, unified, and organized group. They exploited a part of immigration legislation that most Western counties offer, which is asylum for refugees. Technology advancements, with regard to interconnectedness have made this method of entering a country a preferred choice among migrants. Coordination, as well as the spread of information has become easier than ever. America has already been faced with one large caravan of migrants earlier this year, and largely dealt with it unsuccessfully. A larger group of migrants will make their way to America’s Southern border within thirty-days, and how our government responds matters. European governments initially supported the migrant waves, especially Germany. The European Union largely forced nations to accept the asylum seekers. This spiked immigration rates because word traveled fast. America must remember this if our government intends to control of our border.
Public opinions vary on the topic. The loudest on the left express minimal issue with the situation, and the loudest on the right show outrage. It’s important to note that polling shows a 50/50 divide on America accepting refugees. The polling ranges between 65% and 75% against illegal immigration. Only time will tell how American’s classify the caravan.
What about the wall? Our president wants it. Ranking Democrats do not, and have used it as a bargaining chip with immigration legislation. A good chunk of members in the House and some in Senate do not want it either. This is why a Republican majority has not passed legislation. Interesting enough, Republican pundits have wavered on the issue as of late, astutely making the point that a wall in its own does not fix the problem, therefore, a waste of time and resources. This is especially true among the moderate Republicans and Libertarians.
How does this get fixed? Migration trends are not going away. Europe will continue to face challenges curtailing African and Middle East refugees at their borders. America will face similar pressure from Central and South American nations. The core issues holding up immigration reform in America are wall funding, and a decision on DACA, or Dreamers. There isn’t much time left. This caravan is not a one-off, and if they succeed, you can guarantee another one will be waiting in the wings. Reports out of Honduras and El Salvador claim other groups of 1,000 people have mobilized in recent days. Again, word of mouth travels fast with technology. Migrants will continue to come if they hear of success. Democrats and Republicans must discuss this issue together. It is rapidly ballooning into a humanitarian crisis, like it did in Europe a few years ago.
Two-weeks from now America may see a shift in power, and a divided legislature is unlikely to work on the problem. A unified Republican Party with a majority in both Legislative Houses has a higher chance of fixing this. Expect a lame duck session to do what they can to fix immigration if Republicans lose the House in two-weeks. Expect a united Republican Party to do a mass overhaul of immigration soon after the State of The Union address in January in the event they keep control. A resolution is needed to show nations that America will not tolerate lawlessness and exploration in this faction.
The surest way to fix this is any action. Countries with migrants wanting out are watching us, and our process from afar. They are mindful of what we are doing. They are aware of our politics and are exploiting our loopholes. Any action from lawmakers will temporarily deter migration. The system has too many holes, and migrants know it. Fixing this problem rests in our government showing those abroad that they are actually acting.
It’s worrying to think what can happen with this current group. They’ve shown violent tendencies crossing from Guatemala to Mexico, and if the military comes, a friendly fire incident could occur on our border. The optics are very bad. Men in camouflage staring down refugees at the gates is not a good look. This is shaping up as a lose-lose.
This is truly the defining moment of a generation for the world. This will be the single most important issue we face. The continuous trend of people escaping perils of third and second world nations for the chance to live in a developed, first world nation is not going away. It will only increase.
There are three tremendous things that have changed over time. The first is how nations protect their borders. Guarding against intruders has become increasingly humane when compared with generations of the past. History has countless injustices on borders while a group, or nation were trying to infiltrate another’s land. This is often not the case, today. The second is connectivity. People in third and second world countries are mindful to what they are missing. It isn’t simply a passed along story. It is evidence via pictures, audio, and video. It’s real-time proof. This, along with the ability to spread information rapidly only increases the likelihood of someone wanting out of their current situation. The third is these people are living in horrible, oppressed, corrupt conditions. That leaves these people with one question. Do they try to fix their own country while opposing a typically ruthless, or autocratic and immoral leader, or do they head to America, Europe, or any other democratic republic that’s accessible? It is less risky and easier for a migrant to choose the latter. This is the problem
That takes us to the large issue at hand. Migrants are in bad shape when compared to the developed world. They see what they are missing. We’ve concluded that it makes more sense for them to leave their current country. This leads governments in the developed world with the hard choice of keeping them out to protect their country. But how? They cannot use force. They cannot politely tell them not to enter. What is the answer?
You cannot keep someone in poor conditions forever. This is especially true when they continually see outside their walls and see how much better others are living. Humans seek out better opportunities.
- The disenfranchised French stormed the Palace
- The Haitians revolted
- The Americans demanded representation
Why are we to believe oppressed individuals with minimal upside in their own countries are to sit idly by?
Phil Your Day 