Yesterday on the KUNM Call-in Show they were talking about the impact of the U.S./Mexico border wall. One of my favorite quotes was the following: “We’re not using the best or the brightest among us to solve this problem.”

The main idea seemed to be (from my perspective) that a wall isn’t going to solve the problem.  It didn’t solve the problem in Germany and it eventually came down, but not before it was made larger, adding razor wire, and militarizing it.  Do we want to militarize our border? The real problem is Mexico’s need to export workers because their own economy relies to heavily on our economy.  Why is this?  Failed policy over the last 100 years by both governments has built the current situation.  To solve the problem of immigrants from Mexico entering the United States illegally we need to fix the Mexican economy.  We need to get rid of corruption in Mexico and help them to build up their economy.  

Most illegal immigrants would rather stay in their home country if they felt they could make as good a living there.  Nobody wants to move to a foreign nation, taking great risks to cross a border illegally, and be separated from their family for years at a time, all the while sending much of their income back to their family and not enjoying their income.

I think I’ll vote in the next Mexican presidential election, I think that would have a greater effect on illegal immigration than voting in the U.S. presidential election.

Also, cultural diversity is a good thing.  If everyone comes to the U.S. and leaves behind their culture what becomes of these other countries.  Ever the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints became well established they have encouraged members who live abroad to stay there and build up the church, their family, and their society in their home countries. It makes sense.  Let’s strengthen the whole world and bring everyone up out of poverty, not just United States-ians.