Immigration Crisis
America is currently facing a humanitarian dilemma rooted deep in its history—the crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border. For years, American citizens and leaders alike have debated how best to handle the surge of undocumented immigrants. Among the most heartbreaking elements of this crisis are the children—innocent, hopeful, and often left to fend for themselves after crossing the border.
Many of these children arrive on foot, crossing harsh terrains in search of a better future. They carry nothing but dreams—for safety, education, and a chance to build a life for their families. Instead, they’re often met with detention centers, legal limbo, or worse—separation from their parents.
Obama’s Immigration Reform Plan
During his presidency, Barack Obama introduced an immigration reform plan through Executive Orders, aimed at protecting undocumented immigrants who lived and worked in the U.S. without engaging in criminal activity. His goal: to shield law-abiding families from deportation and give them access to training, education, and the opportunity to thrive.
This plan, however, sparked intense debate in Congress and among American citizens. Many viewed it as a necessary step forward—others saw it as executive overreach.
The Forgotten Children
In the midst of these political battles, we must not forget the children. While politicians argue, young lives hang in the balance.
What happens to a child whose parents are deported? Often, they too are sent back—returning to environments plagued by violence, poverty, and little chance for education. In these places, hope is not just scarce—it’s dangerous. These children may eventually attempt to return, but now labeled as criminals, rather than refugees.
We must ask:
Do we owe them a chance?
The Moral Question
No, we may not owe them by law. But morally? These are children. They didn’t choose where they were born or the circumstances that led them to our doorstep. What they do choose is to hope—to dream of something better.
Yes, America is struggling in its own ways. But we are still a land of opportunity. The answer isn’t as simple as “build a wall.” Isolation won’t erase the ethical questions we face, or the reality that neglecting these children today could shape tomorrow’s crisis.
The Bottom Line
If we ignore their needs, what kind of future are we creating—for them and for ourselves? The immigration crisis isn’t just about law and policy. It’s about humanity, responsibility, and compassion. The children at the border aren’t a political issue. They are living, breathing human beings—and they deserve to be seen.
This is such a tough call. Of course we shouldn’t ship anyone, especially children, back to a horrible place where their future is all but hopeless. But what about the people who are trying, and patiently waiting to get into the country legally? Should they abandon their immigration attempts and just come to the country illegally? It needs to be an all or nothing deal. Either we say everyone’s welcome, come on over, or we have rules and laws about who and how many.
It is a difficulty decision. thank you for comment Felicia.
Yes, I go back and forth with my views on this topic! It’s not so black and white as people think. We cannot punish the children for the actions of their fathers, but also like you said, these children need their families! We do have it way better than so many of these people, but it’s true, we have laws and ways to emigrate legally. I just don’t know what a good solution is…
You have a good point. We have to leave the decisions in the hands of the law, Immigration crisis with these families that are here and also the once trying to come into USA.