Borders and Walls

Yes, of course I’ve been following the news about border walls and caravans and immigration. You would probably have to be living in a monastery to avoid following it.

So I finally decided to write a little something about it, because I really have been increasingly concerned about what I’m hearing and seeing. Maybe I have nothing new to say, but maybe something here will be helpful to you.

Let’s get it right out in the open – all three countries in North America have immigration problems. Don’t get me wrong – Canada, the USA, and Mexico are drastically different countries with drastically different problems and perspectives on the issue. But all three have big problems. That’s not taking sides, that’s just a fact that all sides should know.

Now, in spite of the fact that words like “migrant” and “caravan” and “border wall” have exploded in popularity, you need to realize what’s new and what’s not.

Border walls, and the border wall controversy – not new. Much of the wall that now exists (yes, there’s already a wall or some kind of barrier along a lot of the border) was built under President Clinton in 1994. You can see where the barrier is now here. We saw some of it for ourselves in 2011 – it’s that brownish thing stretching over the hill in this picture we took:

Migrant caravans? Nothing new. We’ve been in Mexico for over 12 years, and it’s been going on since before we arrived. To be honest, when the recent caravan exploded into the headlines, I was kind of wondering why.

So what is new?

Well, the international attention on the border and the caravans has obviously skyrocketed – I don’t need to tell you that.

Also new is the fact that the main issue is not Mexican immigration into the USA. Once upon a time, the migration of Mexicans into the USA was one of the largest movements of humans in history. But no more.

Since 2007, Mexican migration into the USA has plummeted. In fact, it may be that more Mexicans are coming back to Mexico than are going to the USA. The Mexican immigrant population in the USA is shrinking (a few stats here). But we can safely say it’s been at a growth rate of 0 for a while.

I’ve spoken to Mexicans who have lived in the USA or Canada and moved back, and who currently live in the USA and Canada. Some are happy in their new country, but many are glad they returned to Mexico or want to return soon. (Did you know that Mexicans tend to be happier than Americans and Canadians, and that the suicide rate is lowest in Mexico of all three countries?)

So the real issue now are migrants coming up from Central America (yes, other countries too) to Mexico, or through Mexico, to the USA and Canada.

So what’s my concern? Publicity and politics are dangerous things. Although many people on various sides of the issue have the best intentions, does the debate really end up helping people? Migrants? Their countries? Their communities back home?

One big question is – should these people be migrating at all? But that’s part of the problem – blanket statements.

I’ve talked to people in Mexico, and I’ve also travelled in Central America and talked to people there. I don’t pretend to be an expert, but I’ve seen two sides (at least) of the issue.

First, there are people leaving their country that probably shouldn’t be. They are leaving behind communities they could be contributing to, abandoning families that they should be supporting. Some may actually have bad intentions, others maybe selfish ambitions.

However, some people have reasons to leave that would make you stop and think, to say the least. They are escaping from life threatening situations. They feel trapped – and many are indeed trapped.

So in spite of the fact that many people want to paint it one way or the other, real life doesn’t work that way. The other day I read an article from an expat living in one of the Central American countries, and they pointed out that it was possible to live there – you weren’t necessarily dodging bullets. Fair enough – but they don’t know some of the individual situations, which can be desperate.

Let me be clear: I’m not advocating a specific border policy for any of the three North American countries. Yes, the issues are complex.

So what am I concerned about? I’m concerned that people – real people – are increasingly becoming pawns in a heated, politically-charged debate. Maybe some are unable to migrate – when they really need to. But maybe some are grabbing the chance to migrate – when they should look at other options.

What people most need is not a change of location, even though that may be important in some cases. They need a change of heart. They need to be rescued from the world, the devil, and themselves. They need to learn from God’s Word how to deal with tough situations (whether at home, or in their migration), how to care for their families, how to build up the community

Migrants and politicians and bystanders alike have the same sin problem.

Immigration policies are important – and all three countries need to think about what is best for their populations and how they can best help others in need. Yes, we need solutions in that sphere.

But aside from that, we need to pray for these migrants. We need to pray for believers who have the opportunity to reach out to them. We also need more believers who can reach out to people in Central America – yes, and Mexico (where the Christian population is lower than most other Latin countries).

Let’s not be quick to judge one side or the other based on headlines. Although we are citizens and neighbours in this world, we also have a citizenship in Heaven. Political points are temporary. We need to see the greatest people movement of all – to the Lord and to a new Heaven and a new Earth.