Once upon a time, in a country known as Democracyland, there lived two neighboring communities: Libertyville and Securitytown. These communities had different government policies when it came to borders and civil rights, making them quite distinct from one another.

In Libertyville, the citizens valued individual freedoms and diversity above all else. They believed in welcoming newcomers with open arms, providing asylum to those in need, and promoting the idea that everyone, regardless of their background, deserved a chance to thrive. The borders of Libertyville were porous, allowing people to freely enter and exit, fostering a vibrant tapestry of cultures and ideas.

On the other side, Securitytown took a different stance. They believed that their safety and prosperity stemmed from robust border protection and strict regulations. They constructed mighty walls, manned by guards equipped with the latest surveillance technologies. Their priority was to safeguard the well-being of their community by carefully vetting who could enter. However, with closed borders came limitations on personal freedoms, as citizens faced stringent regulations and heightened suspicion.

Word of these contrasting communities spread, capturing the attention of the curious townsfolk. Among them was Freeman, a renowned journalist wandering throughout the land. Freeman, known for his love of knowledge and community organizing, decided to take a journey to both Libertyville and Securitytown, aiming to unravel their opposing views.

In Libertyville, Freeman witnessed a bustling community, filled with laughter, cultural festivals, and people embracing their unique identities. He spoke to refugees who had escaped war and persecution, hearing tales of their gratitude for finding solace and hope within Libertyville’s welcoming embrace. Freeman observed that while there were occasional challenges that arose from this system, Libertyville’s citizens recognized the importance of balancing open borders with the preservation of civil rights.

Transitioning to Securitytown, Freeman encountered a very different atmosphere. The towering walls cast a somber gloom over the town, and the desolate streets felt guarded and tense. While the citizens claimed that the strict border policies brought them peace of mind, Freeman noticed a lack of diversity caused by their fear-mongering propaganda. Personal freedoms were curtailed, and suspicion lingered in every interaction. It became clear that within Securitytown, the sacrifice of civil rights was seen as a necessary trade-off for increased security.

Deeply troubled by his observations, Freeman pondered the lessons these two communities offered. He realized that protecting the border was important but not at the expense of basic human rights. He understood that too much focus on security could edge a society towards autocracy, where freedoms were restricted and democratic values eroded.

Returning to Democracyland, Freeman shared his investigative story, urging the townsfolk to engage in meaningful conversations and seek a balance between border security and civil rights. He taught them that compassion and understanding were essential ingredients for a prosperous society. Democracyland decided to embrace a more inclusive approach, striving to protect its borders while safeguarding individual freedoms.

And so, the townsfolk of Democracyland learned that the true strength of their community lay in finding harmony between borders and civil rights, where security and liberty could coexist, creating a land that valued diversity, empathy, and the principles of democracy.

By: ElRoyPoet, 2024

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The focus on immigration legality as a means to address the border crisis issue is a distraction from the underlying problem. Desperate people fleeing turmoil and seeking a better life for themselves and their families may not prioritize legality when deciding to migrate. Their primary concern is finding safety and opportunity, not adhering to legal processes. By placing excessive emphasis on the distinction between legal and illegal migration, we ignore the root causes that drive people to immigrate illegally.

Moreover, “coyotes” often take advantage of these desperate circumstances, exploiting vulnerable individuals who are willing to risk everything for a chance at a better life. They operate outside the realm of legality, capitalizing on the lack of viable legal routes for migration. In focusing solely on the legality of immigration, we fail to address the real issues at play and inadvertently perpetuate the cycle of human smuggling.

To effectively address illegal immigration, it is crucial to establish viable legal routes that provide opportunities for individuals to migrate safely and legally. This requires comprehensive immigration reform that acknowledges the complex nature of the issue and provides sustainable solutions. Merely focusing on the legality of immigration without providing alternatives only exacerbates the problem.

Unfortunately, the issue of illegal immigration has become a political tool, with the Republican party frequently accusing the Democratic party of tolerating or even encouraging illegal immigration. This maneuver is often used as a wedge issue, to bring out the vote by blaming the democrats for the problem or framing their preferred solution as the only viable option.

Although Republican politicians often pledge to overhaul immigration policy during their campaigns, they frequently fail to follow through when they gain power. Eventually it becomes very apparent that they never intended to make good on their promises and were just pandering to the voters. This is primarily due to immigration being closely tied to economic, legal, social, and political factors. Because there are so many perspectives and viewpoints on how immigration policies should be established, enforced, and executed, changing the immigration code necessitates careful consideration, negotiation, and compromise. Rather than confront this complicated issue, they frequently concentrate on simpler issues or legislation that caters to their special interest groups.

When Republican politicians can no longer ignore the demands from their constituents for action on immigration, they often compound the problem by implementing inhumane policies. These policies, rather than effectively addressing illegal immigration, only serve to further marginalize and dehumanize immigrant communities. When Congress is ineffective in passing immigration legislation, they often resort to “blaming the libs” for not being able to pass necessary laws. This blame game only deepens the existing divisions and frustration among the affected communities.

In conclusion, the focus on immigration legality is a distraction from the underlying issues of illegal immigration. Desperate individuals may not prioritize legality, and human smugglers can exploit their vulnerability. To effectively address the problem, we must establish viable legal routes for migration. Placing excessive emphasis on legal distinctions is a superficial solution that fails to address the root causes and perpetuates the issue. Furthermore, the use of illegal immigration as a political wedge issue by the Republican party only exacerbates the problem and stirs up anger and frustration within affected communities. Comprehensive immigration reform is necessary to address this complex issue and provide sustainable solutions for all involved.

“The Republican Party is negotiating immigration reform in bad faith. They’re only interested in weaponizing the issue, not in addressing it. Republicans won’t stop attacking President Biden on immigration, even if he meets their border enforcement demands. The goalposts always get moved, and then you’re stuck with policies that don’t even address the issue in the first place. Republican immigration reform appears to be more about political maneuvering and ‘owning the libs’ than a genuine commitment to resolving the border crisis.”

“The inhumanity of bigots and tyrants is that they will never experience guilt or regret, about their desires superseding the needs of those whom they control or hold power over. They are not capable of feeling empathy or compassion for inferior beings.” By B. Bondman

“Most of us are economic immigrants—even if within our own countries— but the term has taken on a new and pejorative meaning since the refugee crisis. It is often deployed in much the same way that “bogus asylum seeker” was in the past by the British tabloid press—to suggest that people are trying to play the system, that their presence is the cause of problems at the border, and that if we could only filter them out, order would be restored. In fact, the history of migration is a history of controls on the movement of all but a wealthy elite.
In the past, states sought to restrict the movement of their own populations, through slavery or serfdom, or poor laws and vagrancy acts; today the right to move freely within one’s own territory is enshrined in the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Most of us take this right for granted, even though it is relatively recent. Now, instead, the movement of people across international borders is tightly controlled and regulated. As a proportion of the world population, the total number of international migrants—of any kind—has stayed relatively steady: roughly 3% since 1960, according to the sociologist Hein de Haas.” Excerpt from Five myths about the refugee crisis

“Migrants have to bank on the fact: ‘That its easier to ask for forgiveness, than it is to ask for permission’ to come to America. Because MAGA Republicans will never allow it; they hate poor immigrants and only love rich tourists.” By: B. Bondman

Commentary: Throughout history, young people have been driven by a variety of motivations to leave behind their parents’ home, family, and friends, and embark on perilous journeys across countries, jungles, and rivers. The question then arises: what compels them to put their lives and limbs in jeopardy? Many argue that it is the aspiration for the renowned “American Dream” and the conviction that such a promised land truly exists, where everyone is free and enjoys economic security.
Undeniably, tales of the American Dream have been passed down from generation to generation, capturing the imagination and fueling the hopes of many. It is a captivating notion that beckons those yearning for a better life, offering the possibility of prosperity and success. This belief in the existence of a land where opportunities abound is a powerful motivator for young people to set off on the quest of a lifetime, leaving behind the familiar comforts of home.
Once individuals take that fateful first step, the momentum perpetuates their resolve. They convince themselves that they have already conquered the most arduous challenges, and eagerly anticipate a smoother path ahead. This mindset fuels their determination, as they remain firmly convinced that their dreams lie just beyond the horizon. The allure of the “American Dream” continues to drive them forward, pushing them to endure the hardships and dangers that inevitably accompany their pursuit.
In the eyes of a young person without a job, the absence of employment is not merely a source of concern; it is seen as a travesty. The “American Dream” promises the realization of one’s potential, where hard work is rewarded and opportunities are abundant. Hence, being unable to secure a job represents a profound disappointment and a setback in the quest for economic stability. The fear of remaining stagnant and the desire for upward mobility drives young adults to take the leap into the unknown.
Similarly, for many, the prospect of growing old without a life partner is a reality that they strive to avoid. In search of a better future and a sense of companionship, unmarried immigrants are willing to travel outside their comfort zone and risk their personal safety. The “American Dream” promises not only economic stability but also the opportunity to start a family, and to build a new home for their loved ones.

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“The Constitution of the United States protects the rights of all individuals within its borders, regardless of their citizenship status. This includes immigrants, or non-citizens, who are in the United States. The Constitution guarantees certain rights and protections, such as due process and equal protection under the law, to all individuals, including immigrants. However, there are certain rights and privileges that are specifically afforded to U.S. citizens only, such as the right to vote and run for certain public offices.”

“You must not exploit a resident alien or oppress him, since you were resident aliens in the land of Egypt.” Bible, Exodus 22:21