Desperate, wide-eyed, alone and scared. Heart beating out of your chest looking to the right and to the left, walking for miles on end, wondering if you will ever find that oasis of hope you were promised.
This is the experience of unaccompanied children who have been sent by their parents from Mexico and Guatemala in hopes that they may have a chance to live a life of freedom not plagued by survival and fear. Forced to make unimaginable decisions, parents send their children on this dark journey which involves the risk of drug cartels and human trafficking.
The U.S. Border is facing a humanitarian crisis like never before. The economic and governmental conditions these countries face is unimaginable to those living in the U.S. a country of security and freedom. How is the U.S. facing the border crisis currently? And what are some of the solutions the current administration is providing to the mass influx of migrants looking to the U.S. for help?
Rhetoric from the Biden Administration during the Border Crisis
On June 7 during a diplomatic trip in Guatemala, Vice President Kamala Harris spoke to potential migrants, saying, “I want to be clear to folks in this region who are thinking of making that dangerous trek to the U.S.-Mexico border, do not come, do not come. . . I believe if you come to our border you will be turned back.”
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez issued her disappointment on Twitter in Vice President Harris’ comments. She claims that seeking asylum in the U.S. is always legal and that the U.S. cannot deny entry to asylum seekers, when it has played a crucial role in creating the very issues that cause migration in Central America in the first place. Her views have been expressed among progressive politicians and citizens who support more open immigration policy.
Vice President Kamala Harris’ words “do not come” do not address the root causes of migration including poverty and violence, reasons why migrants in Central America are desperately fleeing their countries to find hope in the U.S.
This isn’t a choice about whether they want to migrate or not. They are risking their lives in order to be able to provide and protect their families. The message “do not come” does not give a solution or appropriate response to migrants who are fighting for the lives of their families in search of asylum.
Harris and Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei spoke on fighting against corruption and working on improving the economic struggle within the country. They also discussed targeting root issues such as human trafficking and smuggling.
The State of Migration to the U.S. in 2021
Violence and poverty force people to escape their countries in hopes of safety and a better life. President Biden said in his first presidential address to Congress that the U.S. must face the root causes of migration. He signed an executive order to “address the root causes of as well as to provide safe processing for asylum seekers.” The Biden Administration is working effortlessly with non-governmental organizations.
The Biden Administration’s executive order states, it will continue to “fight corruption and strengthen democracy while advocating respect for human rights, labor rights and a free press.” The Administration is also dealing with the root issue of drug cartels and human trafficking.
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, “more than 170,000 migrants” came across the border. Thousands of migrants have made the long journey and some have even sent their children alone across the border. But an administration that started as a ray of hope for migrants has turned into disappointment with images of overcrowded facilities with hundreds of children flooding in at the Southern border.
What are some Immigration Policies that the Biden Administration has Established?
President Biden “raised the total of 15,000 refugees to 62,500” only after many expressed their disappointment with how he handled the humanitarian crisis. Democrat Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez tweeted: “Completely and utterly unacceptable. Biden promised to welcome immigrants, and people voted for him based on that promise.” Biden promised, “to raise the number of refugees admitted in the next fiscal year to 125,000.”
The Biden administration protects vulnerable children from being sent back to their countries alone under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. However, children who come alone are not being sent back. An executive order was put into action to bring separated children and families back together.
The Biden administration has taken action to “extend temporary protected status for migrants, while also accelerating the process for families coming to the border.” Currently, the Biden administration is turning away all new asylum-seekers, except for children due to COVID-19 concerns, under Title 42 policy set up by the former President Donald Trump.
Responses to Harris from the Humanitarian Sector
Kamala Harris’ message of “do not come” was not taken well by non-profit organizations such as, Refugees International. Rachel Schmidtke, an activist for the organization, issued a statement, “We continue to urge the Biden administration to build policies that recognize that many Guatemalans will need to seek protection until the long-standing drivers of forced displacement are addressed and realign its message to the Guatemalan people to reflect America’s commitment to the right to seek protection internationally.” Refugees International expressed their concern with the Vice President’s message to Guatemalans not to come to the United States, saying “it undermines the right to seek asylum under U.S. law.”
Another organization, The Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project, tweeted: “Kamala Harris, seeking asylum is legal. Turning back asylum seekers is illegal, dangerous, & oftentimes sends them back to their deaths. Seeking asylum is a right under U.S. and international law.”
Non-governmental organizations have the power to influence the actions of legislators. The Biden administration will also connect with organizations who fight for asylum seekers. This is a crucial step in creating historical change in the future years to come for those seeking hope and freedom in the U.S.
What can I do to help?
Vice President Kamala Harris’ first diplomatic trip to Guatemala is crucial in implementing the strategies that the Biden administration has established. But what are some actions you and I can take to be a part of that change? What can we do to help the humanitarian crisis at the border?
We can educate ourselves on the issue by listening, asking questions and being part of the conversation, in order to bring about the change we wish to see in the world. Be a voice for the voiceless and don’t underestimate your voice, use it to influence those around you. Whether that’s talking to a friend or posting on your social media, creating conversations are one of the best ways to inspire action. As long as we speak up and show up each and every one of our voices matter and every day is a new day we can be part of that change. We can also advocate by calling our local government representatives as well as donating to organizations advocating for migrant children and families.
Donate:
Savethechildren: focus on helping children arriving alone at the the U.S. Mexican border.
International Rescue Committee: reunite migrant families and provide food and shelter.
Global Response Management: deliver emergency care to those in desperate need.
KIND: defend children’s rights through legal action.
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