How far is too far? That is what we must consider as American citizens.
On the Sunday after Thanksgiving, U.S. border patrol took the liberty of stepping across the border into Tijuana, Mexico. The reason? Troops were ordered to shoot at migrants with rubber bullets and tear gas as they were trying to cross over to American soil. Many people, including women and children, were targeted. Children fell to the ground crying in pain and agony as the tear gas engulfed their eyes, some even fainted.
From video footage, you could clearly see the fear coating these people as their only hope was to seek out asylum. However, many of them ambushed the barricades and assaulted border patrol officials as they were trying to make it into the United States.
Regardless of their approach, and regardless of the questionable legality of this move, where is simple human decency? These people are frightened in every aspect possible. They had to abandon their homes, their way of life, even some of their family to escape to an unknown country. Most of them are trying to cross in order to establish a better way of life, to accelerate to their true potential in which they may have not been able to access in their homeland. Others are trying to escape hardships or obstacles that place them in harm’s way.
Despite the prevailing circumstances, they are still people. No matter where they come from, they feel pain and bleed just like any American would. It is inhumane to be using chemical agents and riot preventatives on these unarmed migrants.
While border patrol is just trying to contain the escalating situation and following protocol, the use of tear gas and the firing of rubber bullets was an unnecessary evil.
The United States government needs to reflect on their rash actions and decide whether they want to just uphold the law relentlessly or present these asylum seekers some sort of compassion. If the roles were reversed, would you want your infants, toddlers, or children in general to be harmed because of your actions and desires? It is unfair for anyone being brought along to have to endure such hate.
Border patrols enforcement needs to be handled in an entirely different manner. Violence creates chaos which creates more violence. Not all of these people are criminals, and shouldn’t be handled as such. President Trump even had the audacity to call this caravan an “invasion,” which is enabling this behavior. Now he is even striving for more money for the border wall and making it the centerpiece of his agenda once again.
Access to citizenship in the United States shouldn’t be as difficult as it is which forces these people to behave and sneak around as they do. Most people are only here illegally because the American government makes it nearly impossible for them to become legal, the right way. Borders are backed up, ICE detention centers are jam-packed, jails are overflowing with immigrants, and homeland security offices are loaded with people praying to one day live a life without worry and fear. It’s a torturous thing to dive into knowing there’s a slim chance things will work out in your favor but still hoping for the best possible outcome.
American citizens are being brainwashed that everyone trying to cross the border is a criminal or attacking our way of life by stealing our occupations, our government aid, and our sanity. However, it is the exact opposite. Immigrants bring culture, cuisine and knowledge. They are hard workers, parents, grandparents — genuine people. There are always a few bad apples but we shouldn’t let that spoil the whole bunch.
We have gone to extremes to keep these people out, resorting to violence and inflicting pain to get our message heard, but they will always continue to come. Citizens of this country need to open their hearts and take a chance on these people. After all, we are all trying to live the American Dream.
