The March North

A group of thousands of migrants from mostly Honduras and some from Guatemala have decided to leave everything behind and march north to the United States. A group of 3,000 Hondurans have grown to at least 5,600 migrants and some reports say the number could be closer to 7,000. These migrants are looking to leave behind their home country which has been infested with poverty, corruption, and gang violence to make the dangerous trek north for a better life. Most are looking to apply for an asylum when they reach America. For most this is the only way for a better life and they won’t quit. Luis Puerto from Colon, Honduras said, “We are going to get to the border of the U.S. I am not going to stop. I don’t care if I die.” (For more quotes and stories of the migrants click here). 

But this caravan poses some serious questions, especially ahead of the midterm elections. President Trump has vowed to stop them from crossing the border. President Trump tweeted that, “Full efforts are being made to stop the onslaught of illegal aliens from crossing our Southern Border.” He has proposed to cut aid for Honduras, to deploy additional border security, and even to deploy the military if required. Many in Congress have called this caravan a disgrace to the rule of law in America and a threat to every law-abiding citizen. They also call it  unfair to the millions of immigrants that patiently wait in-line to legally enter this great country. One thing is clear, our immigration laws are broken, and have been broken for decades.

As the caravan is still weeks away from reaching the southern border, the debate about the next action is not slowing down. What should be the next action that the United States takes? Should we let them in? Should we turn them back? Is it time that we change our immigration laws?