On today’s show we’re talking about the immigration, migration, deportation, and human lives. Earlier this week I had a conversation with Juan. He’s Mexican and lived in Austin Texas from the age of 5 until the age of 27 when he was deported back to Mexico. Juan entered the US illegally with his family at the age of five. Clearly he didn’t have the capacity to make that decision for himself. He speaks perfect English. He had a job in Austin and he was a full contributing member of the community. He had both family and friends in Austin. One day he was driving on the highway and got pulled over by a police officer for an aggressive lane change. He lacked the proper documentation. That started a chain of events that resulted in three nights in a prison cell before being deported back to Mexico.
Juan is barred from re-entering the US for 10 years. He can apply to come into the country properly, but only after that waiting period.
The number of people traversing the US southern border is averaging between 5-6 thousand per day. That’s a huge number. They’re coming from all over the world, not just Mexico or Central America as was previously the norm.
Those who are seeking asylum from persecution should be able to find sanctuary somewhere in the world. That’s basic human rights.
My family escaped WW2 and came into the USA through Ellis Island. Millions, including my grandparents were not so lucky.
Most western nations need immigration just to maintain population. Maintaining population is essential for economic growth. Shrinking population causes systemic economic recession.
The fact is that the entire debate has become so intensely partisan that it’s become virtually impossible to get the truth about what is happening.
Juan says he’s committed to coming back to the US the right way. He has friends that have offered to help him get back into the country and have offered him accommodations. But he has refused that offer. He wants the respect the law. He has four years remaining before he can apply. He has lived the majority of his life in Austin and is culturally American in every way. I hope he gets back in.
Juan’s story is one of millions. He’s a statistic, but he’s also a real person with real dreams and aspirations.
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Host: Victor Menasce
email: podcast@victorjm.com