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Seeking a Fresh Start: The Plight of Desperate Migrants

“I don’t know anyone who has been deported,” mentioned Carolina Ortiz, a migrant hailing from Colombia, during an interview at a camp located outside Jacumba Hot Springs, approximately 60 miles southeast of San Diego. Photo by Mark Abramson for The New York Times

In her news analysis titled “,” Miriam Jordan highlights the current era of mass migration driven by factors such as conflict, climate change, poverty, and political repression. However, the analysis falls short in fully recognizing the pressing human needs compelling individuals to seek refuge at our borders.

An investigation by The El Paso Times revealed a concerning spike in migrant fatalities at the El Paso border in the fiscal year 2023, reaching unprecedented levels. Harsh policies like [ppp1] and the “Remain in Mexico” protocol left many stranded in perilous conditions in cities like Ciudad Juárez or forced them to risk their lives. Despite these challenges, migrants continue to arrive, underscoring the urgency of their circumstances.

The article fails to capture the shortcomings of U.S. enforcement efforts. In fiscal year 2023, [ppp2] parents and children were deported, marking a 20% increase compared to the deportations carried out under President Trump in fiscal year 2020. Nevertheless, the influx persists.

What is crucial is the implementation of enduring and effective solutions, including the establishment of more legal avenues for entry into the U.S. amidst a dynamically changing global landscape. Our experience demonstrates that when individuals are provided with organized, lawful pathways for entry, they opt for them. The disorder and apprehension we witness stem from our deliberate choice to withhold these solutions.