Our nation is a land of immigrants. We believe in human rights, including the right to asylum. The American Dream, for some, is not just a luxury but a necessity for survival.
Currently, our neighbors to the south are downtrodden with modern epidemics: corruption, gang violence, exploitation, environmental degradation, imposed prostitution, and militarization of civil society. In some cases, the United States has been active in creating the situations that led to these disasters; in others, we have been called upon for assistance. Many Americans do not know or understand the misery individuals and families face that leads them to uproot themselves and risk their lives to head north. One thing is clear, though: there is a humanitarian crisis throughout Central America. Consequently, there is a mass exodus of refugees seeking safety in the United States.
As compassionate and reasonable moderates for reform, we need to take three courses of action:
A) Ensure the humane treatment of refugees who seek our help. They are not prisoners, and are entitled to basic dignity.
B) Work with our southern neighbors to understand and resolve the roots of the current violence.
C) Educate our populace about the causes for emigration rather than foment racism with dehumanizing terms for our neighbors in need.
Likewise, it is crucial that we maintain language and material assistance programs supporting green card holders and enabling a welcoming path to citizenship for those who seek it from less dire conditions.