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“A High Wall with a Big Gate”
— Thomas L. Friedman
He also says in today’s New York Times that making immigration policy requires a balance between “hardheartedness and compassion”.
These words are actually distractions from the real issues screaming at the border. While left and right continue to frame the situation in these terms, political ping-pong will continue as America suffers by not having a steady flow of talent into the country. Expensive to maintain the southern border? yes, but no harm is being done to Americans apart from having to witness the suffering of migrant families. I agree with Thomas Friedman that “a high wall and a big gate” makes sense, although the term wall with all its connotations needs changing to something more cushiony — superficial, I know. But, if the barrier can be more tech and man powered than steel and concrete.
Perhaps a way to break down all the walls protecting us from awful foreign people is to shift the decision making from federal to the local levels. Where families, communities, rural parts and small towns discuss and decide the value of immigrants in satisfying their own particular needs. I’m sure these would vary — from picking apples, filling deserted main streets to looking after aging Moms.
It’s more appealing to invite someone to help me in my home rather than an authority telling me to take a stranger into my home — like it or not.
Another big wall we need to get over is that people have innate abilities defined by their appearance or where they are from — a kid born in Mali with education has identical chances of creating a tech company or being a great rapper as a kid born in California.
As typical a thoughtful and helpful article by Thomas L. Friedman, Opinion Columnist of The New York Times April 13, 2021
