The Way the US Treats Immigrants Is Shameful

People matter, borders are just lines drawn in the sand

Walter Rhein

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Image by Walter Rhein

When I first went to Peru, I walked the streets terrified that I would be mistreated. But nothing bad ever happened to me. In fact, the people went out of their way to look out for me. I was invited to Christmas dinners and weddings and family celebrations.

“You shouldn’t have to be alone,” they said.

It’s such a contrast to the way immigrants are treated in the United States.

I just watched a news report that featured a man who spoke terrible Spanish sticking a microphone in the face of a little boy. The boy was wide eyed and politely answered all the man’s questions.

He seemed like a kind little boy who only wanted to be loved and who was eager to make somebody proud. I’m fearful that generous spirit is going to be broken out of him shortly.

The reporter seemed like he wanted to laugh at the boy. He was broadcasting the boy’s image to an audience of hateful people. The boy went uncompensated for this.

Every time I read an article about immigration, I go down to the comments. Without fail, people say absolutely horrible things.

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Walter Rhein

Certified English and physics teacher. Editor, journalist, illustrator and novelist. walterrhein@gmail.com