There was a pretty big thread on my Facebook page about the “Caravan” of people who are currently making their way across Mexico. I’ve had some time to reflect on the thread and the events and wanted to add some of my thoughts here.
- I hesitate to use the word “mob” to describe this group of people, but it’s hard not to. Google defines “mob” as “a large crowd of people, especially one that is disorderly and intent on causing trouble or violence.” Given that this group has already caused trouble at the Mexican border by entering Mexico illegally, it doesn’t seem outlandish to call them a mob. They appear intent on entering the US in a similar manner, so I’m going to go ahead and call them a mob.
- There is nothing wrong about American’s being concerned about what this mob is going to do. What is going to happen when they get to the US border? Are they going to merely walk across the border? Are they going to line up in an orderly manner and wait their turn to request asylum? If they are opposed by US officials (whatever sort that ends up being), will they obey those officials? Will they get violent? There is nothing wrong with being concerned about these things. It’s natural and perfectly acceptable.
- It is perfectly acceptable for a country to be concerned about and protect its sovereignty. A large mass of people threatening to ignore the law and enter your country illegally — which is entirely within the realm of possibility — is indeed a direct threat to said nation’s sovereignty. We have the right to control who does and does not enter the United States. A mob flaunting that should not be allowed to break the law.
- It’s not “fear-mongering” to be concerned about who exactly is making up this mob. It’s hopelessly naive to think that terrorist organizations and Mexican drug gangs aren’t taking advantage of this situation. There are many groups in the world that would love for this to turn violent at the US border in order to damage the United States. It’s perfectly reasonable to be concerned that these forces will incite trouble.
- Question: What is the acceptable number of terrorists and MS-13 gang members that we should allow into the United States? I’m going to go with zero. How about you? What’s your number?
- My recommendation for this group of people: First, seek asylum in Mexico. You are there and they seem amenable to taking you. If you insist on asylum in the US, trek to the closest US Consulate in Mexico and request asylum. Your case will be considered in an orderly, lawful fashion, and if you are in need of a safe place, we’ll likely let you in. Whatever you do, do not approach the US border en masse. That could have very bad consequences for any number of reasons, not the least of which is violence incited by nefarious members of your group.
- I’m perfectly happy to have 7000 immigrants enter this country with the intention of working and being productive members of society. I very reasonably don’t want terrorists and gang members to enter the country. I very reasonably don’t want a mass of people just marching across the US border as if it doesn’t exist. It does exist and it should be respected and honored.
Bottom Line: It is perfectly reasonable to be concerned about the situation and there is nothing wrong with expressing that concern.