What comes to mind when you hear the words: border and immigration? Before travelling to México, I asked several people this question and found that nearly every answer had a negative connotation. Why do you think this is?

The border between the United States and México is almost 2,000 miles long, touching California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. With such a vast shared border, it is no wonder that almost every American or Mexican has an opinion on the subject and immigration to the US.

Here are some key facts and questions about immigration and the US border:

Fact: Each year, about a half a million undocumented Mexicans try to cross the US/México border.

Consider these questions: Why might someone in another country want to immigrate to the US? Why might the US Government want to impose limits on those entering the country?

Fact: In 2008, the US Government issued visas to almost seven million people around the world, allowing them to visit. Of those, almost half a million were for people who were allowed to live and work in the US permanently.

Consider these questions: Are some people more likely to be allowed to immigrate to the US than others? If so, what qualities might the government look for before letting people move to the US?

Fact: In 1996, US Presidential candidate Pat Buchanan suggested building a wall along the US/México border. Since then, walls and fences have been built on a very small portion of this border.

Consider these questions: Is a wall necessary to control immigration? Why hasn’t a similar wall been proposed for the US/Canada border? What other international walls can you think of, current or historic? Why were they built? Were they effective?

Fact: The US Congress is considering a law that could provide a legal path to citizenship for undocumented people. Opponents of this proposed law believe it is equal to rewarding bad behavior.

Consider these questions: What should law enforcement officers do if they find an undocumented person living or working in the US? Does your answer change if the person found has been in the US for a month? A year? Ten years?

Today’s video is a collection of different peoples’ opinions about the US/México border and immigration. How do you feel about their opinions based on the facts listed above? Do you understand their points of view?

Sun & sand? Go swimming or hop a boat at Celestun.

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