By Roy Ortega
Every election cycle, the immigration issue becomes the easiest, most convenient target for politicians seeking to trigger emotions and generate votes. Today's news is dominated by breathless shouts of invading immigrants and a severe border "crisis" that threatens the safety and security of an entire nation.
As a 50-year resident of the U.S. - Mexico border, I'm here to say, "puras pendejadas!" (Pure nonsense)
We've Seen This Before
Let's get a few facts in order. What is happening on the southern border right now is nothing new and certainly nothing to get worked up about. Contrary to what right-wing politicians and conservative media pundits say, there are no massive waves of desperate, wild-eyed immigrants looting, raping, pillaging and terrorizing our border communities. It's just not happening. The images you're seeing on Fox Entertainment TV represent a ridiculously small part of our border reality. I happen to live a few minutes from the Mexican border and I can tell you first-hand that life in my community is no different than in any other American city. I feel as safe in El Paso as I do when I visit my kin folk in Des Moines, Iowa.
Border Security
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| Photo credit: Reuters |
Fears of an impending invasion by rampaging hordes of immigrants are completely unfounded. It's also comical to suggest that a foreign government could easily penetrate the border. At this writing, the southern border has more than 20,000 U.S. border patrol agents and a total of 5,000 local police, state troopers and sheriff's officers on duty at all times. On top of that, numerous military installations are located all along the entire length of our 1,254-mile border with Mexico. In my border community of El Paso, Texas, Fort Bliss is situated a stone's throw away from the border. The massive army post is home to 38,500 active-duty personnel and 1,000 reservists. Also, there are over 21,000 active-duty personnel stationed at nearby Holloman AFB. If you try to argue that our border is not secure, you are wrong.
Immigration History
So, for the sake of understanding, let's take still a larger view of this hot-button issue. Truth is, immigration matters are a constant feature of American life and have been for decades. Historically, there have been frequent dips and spikes in the numbers of people attempting to migrate into the U.S. Every time a Central American country erupts in turmoil, immigrants make their way to the U.S. in search of safety and security. This has been going on for the better part of the last 80-years or so.
Sure, you can argue that the number of immigrants fleeing violence and economic turmoil from mostly central and south American countries is alarmingly high right now. But let's put it all in correct perspective: Following the Vietnam War, the U.S. allowed more than 1.6 million refugees to enter. In time, almost all blended respectfully well into American society. Today, Vietnamese Americans can accept credit for their impressive contributions to every aspect of American culture. In 1980, more than 120,000 Cuban refugees were processed into the U.S. during the Mariel Boatlift. Again, the vast majority of this group has made positive contributions to the fabric of America including business, science, the arts, education and government.
Under every surge in immigration we've seen, immigrants were allowed to enter and stay under existing immigration laws and policies. It's no different today. Of course, the number of illegal entrants is something to take seriously. Illegal apprehensions are high, but that's a good thing. That means the U.S. Border Patrol is performing its job admirably.
Border Crime
If you're concerned about crime along the border, let me assure you the vast majority of American citizens will never be affected by illegal activity at the hands of Mexican cartels. Again this year, El Paso and other American border communities were ranked among the safest, according to FBI crime statistics. But if you want to quibble over border crime numbers, let me make one more glaring comparison to illustrate my point: According to the Citizen Council for Public Security and Criminal Justice, the city of New Orleans, Louisiana had a murder rate of 70.56 per 100,000 residents in 2023. That's higher than Ciudad Juarez which had a murder rate of 67.60 per 100,000 residents.
To conclude, one can't help but wonder when the truth about immigration will finally get a fair airing. Not any time soon I suspect and certainly, not during a presidential election year.
Your thoughts and criticisms are welcome. Roy Ortega may be reached at rortega54@elp.rr.com.
Related link:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_cities_by_homicide_rate
