Where is the practical plan?

Posted

The immigration crisis at our nation’s border shows no sign of going away. Neither the Trump administration that has created it, nor the Democratic candidates who are sympathetic to the refugees’ plights have a practical solution. What can Americans agree on?

It’s impossible/unfeasible to house hundreds of thousands of people in facilities for extended periods. It’s unconscionable to separate children from their parents. It’s untenable to simply open borders and let hundreds of thousands of people enter the country every month.

What can the U.S. do differently?

Develop a Marshall Plan for Central America, from which most of these refugees are fleeing.

Work to create an environment there where they are safe and have opportunities to stay. This will take time, but will pay off enormously for everyone. Put our “processing” facilities in these countries, so applicants can remain there while awaiting their decisions.

Greatly increase immigration staff/judges so that immigration decisions are accelerated.

It is the immensity of the problem that has stymied solutions that address the humanitarian and practical issues. No wall and no increase in border housing facilities and improvement of their conditions will permanently solve this crisis.

John Delaney
Port Townsend