Issues Surrounding the Immigration Caravan

A careful look at the causes behind refugees flooding our southern border is very revealing. The US has a long history of backing political leaders in Mexico and Central America who oppress the poor, eradicate those who resist, and utilize corrupt justice systems.

During the Salvadoran civil war in the 1980's, the US supported the military government which was using death squads to wipe out any resistance. Military and monetary aid to the Salvadoran government from the US continued until 1990, averaging 1.5 million dollars a day. Only when the United Nations exposed human rights violations did things begin to change. But corruption and oppression continues, causing the indigenous people to seek a better life.

Mexico, Guatemala, and Nicaragua have similar histories with the US supporting right wing leaders who regard any resistance as a threat to their power. Drug cartels and gang wars have been creating havoc and the wealth continues to be in hands of the upper one percent. Most recently, US support for Mexican president Pena Nieto helped create a climate of absolute impunity, allowing forced disappearances and massacres to continue.

The US certainly bears some responsibility for the chaotic conditions in Central America. If we would not pour millions of dollars into corrupt governments, the violence and poverty could perhaps be alleviated. Our inhumane treatment of immigrants seeking asylum at our border is unwarranted. There is overwhelming evidence of gangs extorting money from poor families trying to make a living and drug lords endangering people's lives. No one would willingly stay in a place where brutality is so rampant.

Pouring billions of dollars into a border wall is not the answer. Helping these countries improve living conditions, enforce laws, and eradicate corruption is a better use of our money.