Stop the Caravan

People cannot just pack their bags and move into my house because they feel I live in a safer neighborhood and have more opportunities. That is what is happening in the marching Central American caravan which has grown from maybe a couple of thousand to now over 5,000 people.

Listening to reports from the crowds about poverty, violence, and lack of jobs in their own neighborhoods as a reason to come to the USA, have they heard of our Chicago, L.A., and other pockets of violence facing the same issues here? Do they understand that obtaining social justice is a problem everywhere for those who feel oppressed or hunger for something better? Are they willing to “take a knee” facing these truths that are hidden in plain sight?

The Central American caravan must be stopped and cannot be allowed illegal passage into the USA. People cannot just bogart their way across our borders in disregard of our immigration laws. For those espousing that we do away with I.C.E. and open our borders to everyone — get real! Behold the beginning of an influx of human suffering the likes of which we have never seen. Look at Spain, Denmark, England, and others also now confronted with difficulties in absorbing large numbers of people from dissimilar cultures and religions who have also often operated outside the boundaries of host countries' standards of law. This is an issue for sovereign nations to decide, not the UN.

In 1937 almost 937 passengers aboard the ocean liner St. Louis were returned to Europe rather than allow them entry on Florida's soil. Many of these passengers were Jews trying to escape extermination from Hitler’s terrorism. Over the years with frustration and tears I witness Haitians coming to our borders trying to escape brutal political regimes and most recently a devastating earthquake many now being sent back to nothingness. They have callously been returned to their homeland while those who crossed the Mexican border were dry and stayed, often with impunity.

The purpose of immigration policies is not to allow people to pick and choose where they want to live. Political asylum is a top priority, not improving ones economic welfare. Unfortunately this has been bastardized to pick and choose the “cream of the crop” from these embattled nations including engineers, doctors, and other professionals who enter here abandoning their homeland where their talents are needed, especially in times of crisis.

Immigration laws must be upheld. Foreign policy must also change to quit giving most favorite nation status to those demonstrating disregard for each nation's immigration laws with a penalty as well for those nations importing drugs into this nation. In addition, “chain migration” should be ended so that each individual is considered on his/her own merit for entry. President Trump is right in screening for terrorist and criminals. I have heard no one speak of passports or medical screening for infectious diseases such as TB which if atypical could decimate indigenous populations here. The Totalization Agreement which cedes tax monies to Mexico from those who may be illegally here should revert to a strengthened border or to states disproportionately impacted by these moves.

In minority communities these caravans may further disrupt their fragile economies increasing their burden, compressing human flesh into a different caldron waiting to explode, disrupting with unnecessary competition among their own since too many have not expanded their options beyond where they live. Don't forget about the needs of our possessions — Puerto Rico and other Islands negatively impacted by recent hurricanes. As an aside, how about those kids in adoption agencies or foster care? What has been done for the children of GIs often born out of wedlock overseas and left? When will these, our own people be given priority?

Unfortunately politicians often have a secondary gain which is very visible. For the party promising increased social services, access to jobs which citizens have not yet found, housing, and other things which taxpayers can ill afford or do not themselves receive, the boondoggle has arrived with possible votes. For those who can’t retreat to protected communities, depend on public schools, and have direct skin in the game having to deal with these influxes bound to cause some social disruption, the cart is being ridden before the horses have been found.

A Special Immigration Task Force to address these issues with an eye on the international arena might be in order. Ambassador Nikki Haley could head it for in many respects she is like a southern “steel magnolia.”

Ada M. Fisher, MD, MPH is a licensed teacher, retired Corporate physician, former county school board member, speaker, author of Common Sense Conservative Prescriptions Good for What Ails Us Book 1 (available through Amazon. com) and is the NC Republican National Committeewoman. Contact through DrAdaMFisher.org. To read more of Dr. Fisher's reports, Click Here Now.