I read a fact recently that I have not seen reported anywhere before that would have a huge impact on the discussion of Trump’s actions regarding those trying to enter the U.S. from our southern border
In the past, virtually all those crossing the border illegally were single men from Mexico looking for jobs in the U.S. That flow of illegal immigration has virtually ceased. Whereas it accounted for 98% (1.6 million apprehensions) in 2000, it 2014 they accounted for only 186,000 arrests. The drop has been largely the result of a more stable Mexican economy and a declining Mexican birthrate.
But since 2010, the number of women with children, or single children, from Central America who are seeking asylum in the U.S. from the violence in their home countries has been increasing and now account for the majority of those attempting to cross the border. Typically, they present themselves for asylum at the border, rather than attempt to cross undetected illegally.
To Trump, there is no difference between the two groups. They are all dangerous scabs to be kept out of the U.S. Yet to any sane, reasonable person there is a huge difference. Women and children, or complete families, seeking asylum from the terrible violence in the Central American countries fit into a traditional category of people seeking to immigrate to the U.S. without a visa. And they should be treated accordingly.
Even the single men who crossed the border illegally from Mexico did not fit Trump’s xenophobic description of dangerous men. They have since immigrating taken their place in the American workplace, taking low-paying, menial jobs that Americans have no interest in but are of vital importance to the functioning of our economy. And mostly they are paying the appropriate taxes.
Immigrant supporters and Democrats in Congress need to clarify for the American public the nature of people coming into the country today from the south. Americans are still primarily good-hearted people. When they learn the truth, as was the case with the separation of children from their families, and most recently with the report of the deplorable conditions children were subjected to, their attitude towards these women and children will change and Trump will be force to change the government’s anti-immigrant policies.
