Last week, RCFC member Bill Timpson shared his thoughts on immigration after a recent week spent at the US-Mexico border.  With a picture of “the Wall” behind him, Bill began by reviewing the 'success' of other walls from history, and sharing his experiences with the ongoing US-Mexico border story.

Timpson started by reviewing how well  have other historical walls provided 'national security' - the Great Wall of China, Maginot Line, Israel's wall, etc. (generally not too effective).  He went on to review current immigration issues, including should we criminalize attempts to enter the US or, instead,  provide humanitarian aid and compassionate activism?   What can be done about the “smuggling cycle” involving drugs and weapons between the US, Mexico and Central America?  What about the immense cost of the Wall which is now on track to extend 450 miles?   Can we learn from, better communicate with and help other nations who are experiencing immigration crises at their borders  (is there an increased role for the UN in this?) What political and labor issues are at work? 
 
Next, Bill showed poignant images from the US-Mexico border including detention centers, children, tent cities, ill-fated crossings and the return of refugees. The concerns raised by the recent (February 14) policy of directing ICE agents into sanctuary cities were mentioned.
Bill personally observed the court proceedings against Dr Scott Warren, prosecuted for “aiding and abetting” the entrance of border crossers into the US because he provided water and survival essentials to those who had crossed.
 
Bill also asked about the “Culture of Peace”? What are the positives that occur in the midst of this turmoil?  Bill shared images of demonstrations outside the Scott Warren trial bringing together Native and Faith-based speakers.  Faith-based shelters have been created for migrants.  Attempts to school migrant children are ongoing.
 
What are the challenges of crossing?  The desert environment, river crossings, wildlife encounters and military activities. Jose Rodriguez was shot 10 times for throwing stones at 'the wall' (think Israeli/Palestinian).  A map of found bodies near the US-Mexico crossing was shocking.
 
What can be done?  Most important is to address the causes of this migration south of the US border. Do we need a Marshall Plan for Mexico and Central America?  How do we address drug smuggling, and what percentage of our drugs are carried across by persons walking across the desert vs. those coming in via trucks at legal border crossings? What role have trade agreements and the subsidizing of US agriculture and industry played?  Do we take into account the savings provided to the US by lower paid manufacturing jobs (eg, auto industry) and the immense benefits we enjoy from the work of migrants in the US ?

Bill initiated the Q & A time by asking the audience two questions?  What inspires us during hard times and what ideas can we bring to the conversation about the migrant crisis? Good questions and answers followed.

Timpson is a professor in the School of Education at Colorado State University, with over 40 years tenure.  He is a graduate of Harvard, and received his doctorate in educational psychology from the University of Wisconsin.  Since 2004, he has participated in the Restorative Justice program, and is a regular contributor to the Peacekeeping Newsletter.