Immigration is a pretty hotly debated topic. This article talks about volunteer and aid groups that leave water bottles in the desert for immigrants crossing the border. One volunteer received a ticket for littering when he left some water jugs in the middle of the desert. It has been argued that by leaving these water jugs in the desert, these organizations are encouraging people to immigrate. However, the reality is that people are going to continue crossing the border and no matter where people stand on immigration, isn't this more of a matter of respect for human life?
This should be viewed as a respect for human life rather than a case of littering. At least 214 human remains have been found in south Arizona desert this year. The issue of immigration is ongoing and needs to be looked at in more than just one way. Those against such organizations as No More Deaths and Samaritans believe leaving gallons of water in the desert promotes illegal immigration. These people need to understand that these organizations are not advocates for illegal immigrating but rather advocates of a humanitarian effort. Over two hundred lives have already been lost due to excruciating conditions illegal immigrants endure in order to make it to the land of opportunity. Should the United States really punish those that are essentially saving lives? NO.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Jenn that this should be viewed as a respect for human life rather than a case of littering. It's amazing to me that we (the US) punish those who are trying to save lives. A great book about illegal immigration and the Arizona desert is "The Devil's Highway: A True Story." This book is about a group of illegal immigrants who got lost in the Arizona desert and many died. It's a tragic story, but I like it because it's the immigrant's story...a side we don't usually hear.
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