In Defense of Immigrants

We have been emigrants since time immemorial. In past centuries, human movement and the arrival of large immigrant populations in different countries facilitated development and growth. Cultures were enriched, and continue to be enriched. Cuisine, music, visual arts, architecture and literature reinvent themselves thanks to the cultural mix that immigrants provide.

The most cosmopolitan cities in the world are also the most critical, open, democratic and free cities. Walking their streets and different neighborhoods is a feast for the eyes, ears, tongue and nose. What would London or New York be without their large Chinese, Italian and Latino neighborhoods? What about the streets of Toronto without their ethnic diversity? Or Berlin without its large alternative immigrant-built neighborhoods, such as Kreuzberg, home to a large Turkish community and one of the most architecturally interesting places in the city?

Today, in the 21st century, migration is turning into humanitarian tragedy and becoming synonymous with exclusion, violence, death and inequality. Donald Trump, the president of the United States — one of the nations built by immigrants — is the visible face of the powerful and dangerous wave of xenophobia and racism. Dramatic and heartbreaking stories are playing out under his administration. Outrageous stories.

Mexico and Central America are suffering wars against the drug trade. Cartels and gangs have taken over in many regions. And the United States is the one which is selling them the weapons, and Americans are among the primary consumers of the drugs being moved in this multimillion-dollar business that ironically leaves the people poorer while a few capos and corrupt politicians get richer.

Coupled with the serious economic, social and educational problems in the region, the drug trade has forced thousands to flee their places of origin and seek, in the United States, a safer place to thrive, to live.

Trump has told them no. That they’re not welcome. That they’re murderers, rapists and criminals — when in reality, the vast majority is seeking asylum and protection. He’s separated families and children. He’s lost track of almost 1,500 minors while applying his “zero-tolerance” policy. He locked hundreds of children in cages. He’s generating a million-dollar business for a few companies in charge of managing the detention centers and transporting the immigrants.

Trump and his supporters have to understand that the political and economic system is blowing up in our face. The biggest migration going on now is migration from developing nations to economically advanced nations. From Latin America to the United States and Canada. From Africa and the Middle East to Europe. The world needs to open its borders to take in the refugees who are suffering from wars caused by constant exploitation by geopolitical superpowers.

A great country is one that is empathetic and open with “others.” One that cooperates. One that understands that multiculturalism strengthens and enriches. Take the examples of Canada or Germany, which have opened their doors to Syrian refugees.

No human being is illegal. Anyone who needs shelter, protection and asylum must have the chance to prove it. We cannot make generalizations about immigrants, nor criminalize them. Borders are meant to be crossed, in order for us to get to know the “other” and realize all we have in common; in order to learn about and respect other traditions, languages and beliefs; in order to be more human and less Trumpian.