Empathy as Justification for Open Borders

Last week the picture of a young father and his daughter who drowned while trying illegally to cross the Rio Grande River into the U.S. was front page, featured news across the media.

Pundits – and newscasters – jumped on the story as “Exhibit One” in the charge that America’s immigration policy is inhumane.

Other exhibits cited were the claims that detention facilities for “undocumented” immigrants [they left their papers at home?] were over-crowded, unhealthy and consisted of cages.

Of course, no one wishes death or horrible living conditions for foreigners seeking to enter the U.S. illegally.   These are sad and tragic endings.

But take a deep breath and think for a moment.  What are America’s responsibilities to people who are, from a policy perspective, unwelcome trespassers?

Present U.S. law provides that those entering the United States who claim political asylum are entitled to a hearing on their claim.  In the meantime, they are housed in the detention facilities in the U.S. or released into the general community based upon their promise to appear for the hearings which may be scheduled many months, even years, away.  They are not deported back to their home countries until then.

The simple fact is that illegal border crossings have skyrocketed in recent years, overwhelming the capacity of immigration centers.

This is a cruel irony in the protests and criticisms of those who favor, in effect, open borders and oppose improved security.  They have encouraged the illegal activities which has resulted in such hardships.

And their irresponsible conduct continues despite the obvious consequences.   Did you see the Democratic presidential candidates raise their hands in unison during last week’s first debate when asked if they supported  health care benefits for illegal aliens?

Leave aside the obvious answer to the question of who is supposed to pay for that.  How can compassionate, empathetic people (and, of course, they claim to be such) extend such an invitation for further illegal migration?  They know the supposedly awful conditions and mortal dangers which await asylum seekers.

Last week I pointed to examples of political imbecility.  Add most of the 20 plus Democratic presidential candidates to the list.  For those who are insincere, their demagoguery puts them in a worse category.  They are dangerous because of the harm to others they are willing to cause.