I think we're wasting a lot of time on the immigration debate because we are focussing on poor solutions and inhumane ways to deal with the crisis. To follow Trump and his self-serving cronies, is only to make the problem much greater for the future. What can we do instead?
First, the issue has to be deconstructed in multiple ways by looking at the accurate facts and figures and deciding where the problems exist and what takes priority with regard to the problems. Trump's continual use of lies and exaggeration only takes us further away from real solutions to a problem that's not going away--an issue that the whole world is facing due to violence, poor governments, injustice, climate change, and income disparity. We can deconstruct this problem and make lots of positive change.
Working with other countries to create opportunity zones
First, we have to work with the countries from where the immigrants are coming from. We have to look deeply at what is making these people want to leave their homelands? For example, perhaps we could work with one or more Central American countries to create opportunity zones within their countries--places where people can find jobs, fair pay, and equitable rights. Perhaps we lend support to create these opportunity zones and perhaps we uplift the opportunity there by creating sustainable modern farms, educational campuses, tourist spots, and more. Central American countries are beautiful countries rich in history, resources, wonderful people, and natural beauty. Why can't we work with these countries to create opportunities for people to stay at home and live good lives.
Noticing where we can easily invite immigrants to live and work in the United States
Where in our country is their room and need for immigrants, and how can we invite these people to live in our communities with strength. I believe that immigration makes our country strong, diverse, and dynamic. I believe that we need to welcome immigrants, but I also believe that we have to be mindful about how we do this so we ensure good living for all and don't elevate situations of poverty, violence, or contempt.
Making up for past bad acts: Unite families and offer them a chance to live in the United States
As fast as possible, we have to make up for the poor choices of our government officials by uniting the families that have been separated and offering them a chance to live in the United States with the future opportunity of becoming citizens. We have to make amends for the terrible separation acts of the past years by letting these people stay.
Following the laws
We are a country of laws, and we must follow the laws or work to change them. This is imperative.
Change the laws
Where we feel the laws are out of date, inhumane, or destructive, we must work for change.
Work with global partnerships
Work with the global community to look at the broad picture of immigration--how can we deal with this as a global society--what can we do to uplift lives in every homeland and make immigration a humane situation rather than a situation of pain and horror.
I am not an immigration specialist, but I am smart enough to know that big, complex problems are not solved via lying, exaggerating, and one-size-fits-all solutions. Big problems take the expertise of the best and brightest to solve the problems with sensitivity, humanity, and long term vision.
President Trump and his cronies trick and fool us with the White House reality show quest for ratings rather than humane solutions. We can do much better, and we must.
