American Legacy

Waves of immigration have occurred throughout the United States’ history. The unaccompanied minor crisis is by no means a new “problem” the country is facing. Perhaps what sets this latest wave of immigration from the rest is the fact that those who are attempting to cross the border are only children. These children have travelled thousands of miles on foot and crossed multiple borders to reach the US. Yet, very little importance has been given to the issue since 2014.

“Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,

I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

Moreover, it’s ironic that one of the most iconic symbols of Americanism is the statue of liberty. Yet, it seems like a lot of US citizens have forgotten the words that are engraved on a tablet within the pedestal the statue stands. The US government and its citizens should ask themselves how they want to be remembered. In 100 years from now do they want to be seen as the society that detained and treated children like criminals or a society that did everything in their power to help them? The United States has the means to ensure that these minors have a better life. Immigration is not a crime, these children's existence is not a crime. It’s time the US treats these children like human beings and acknowledges their existence. These minors cannot be simply ignored any more.