Border walls have been the biggest worry for immigrants since President Trump’s election. Representatives from different states in support of the wall have presented the idea and both U.S. citizens and potential U.S. citizens are not taking it well. This is understandable, considering the fact that some migrants are being kept in cages. A few have even died from mistreatment. The ineffectiveness of the wall has even caused an environmental impact, disturbing the equilibrium of the wildlife near the border. 

Many immigrants have been trying to cross the border but have been arrested and put in jail. Considering kids are being put in cages should be enough of a red flag. Imagine how these children will be impacted by this in the future. Mental illnesses such as panic disorder and PTSD can result from such traumatic events.

What is happening at the U.S.-Mexico border is not healthy. Children are born with blank slates so they won’t think twice about crossing a border—they probably think they’re on a field trip. Parents are always worried for their kids’ safety before their own. Trying to cross a border to give them a better life in the United States, but if they are caught and put in cages or prisons, their lives will only get worse.

These families are crossing to get jobs and have a better life than they were originally having. Whether their country has low-paying jobs or terrorist threats, we don’t know the background of these immigrants. We don’t know if they’re dangerous or not, so why judge? Drug lords could be coming in and we don’t even know it, but for every drug lord there is an innocent family in search of economic and social opportunity.

Because of this, we should allow them to explain themselves; if they seem suspicious, a brief check of their bags and history won’t do any harm. Though we may not know anything about these people, we should give them a chance. Check the stats—the majority of them are harmless, hard-working, and eager to pursue the American Dream.