Opinion

I have just finished attending the three-film and discussion sessions relating to migrant workers.

Though I had carefully followed the media coverage on the question of immigration for the past several years, on the whole solutions expressed seemed to range from the best way of keeping the migrants out to plans for bringing in workers when we need them and getting rid of them when they are no longer of use here.

Unlike the hype that has long dominated the media and the pronouncements of our officials, these films focused on the problems of the migrant workers themselves.

I had not been aware how many thousands of migrants have died in crossing uninhabitable deserts and raging rivers to be able to earn a few dollars to send back to their families. Death has come by shooting, by drowning, but more commonly by thirst and exhaustion.

Not surprisingly, the greatest number comes from the poorest regions of Mexico where hunger is endemic. There has been an enormous increase in these deaths since 1994, when “Operation Gatekeeper” was enacted.

Fences were erected, border patrol agents were greatly increased, and the relatively safe crossing areas closed off, leaving the migrants with no choice but the deadliest routes.

A number of international groups have denounced Operation Gatekeeper as an uncivilized response. In this country, however, the deaths seem to go unnoticed. Can we not take our common humanity into account?  

Grace Siler

Bonners Ferry