The migrant caravan comprises thousands of refugees from Central America: mainly Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador. One cannot be “for” or “against” the caravan itself because it already exists. However, it is possible to develop a cogent response to how the United States should address the challenges posed by the migrant caravan. There are no simple solutions to the migrant caravan; an ethical response requires a close examination of how to feasibly balance the needs for human rights versus the potential for American communities to adapt to a sudden influx of refugees. Ultimately, the United States does need to treat the migrant caravan as an opportunity to reconsider its role in the Pan-American economic, political, and social landscape. I agree with sensible processing of the migrant caravan, and disagree that the people comprising the caravan should be harassed, neglected, or turned away automatically.
Humanitarian ethics are one of the most commonly cited reasons for supporting an asylum approach to the caravan. As Neil_profitt points out, the American government “must not turn its back” on the crisis and the real needs of these human beings, who are “in need of a hand.” It would be unethical to turn away those in dire need...
John Stevenson uses the key word “empathy” to describe the appropriate cognitive and emotional framework for addressing the issue. Anyone who was in a similar position would all but expect that a wealthy nation, one built on the principles of freedom, liberty, justice, and the right to pursue happiness, would willingly offer help in whatever way was possible.
Another reason for supporting the migrant caravan is that it would help address the systemic issues related to immigration and economic policy. For example, John Stevenson states that the United States can “help address the root problems of violence, poverty, and unemployment” by examining the root problems in Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador. The migrant caravan is a symptom of a larger problem, and should be viewed as such rather than treated as an isolated incident. Until the systemic issues of wealth inequity and ongoing post-colonial exploitation are addressed, more caravans like these will appear at the borders until it reaches a crisis point. The United States cannot afford to slip into a tyrannical, authoritarian, or militaristic regime whereby it uses violence to squelch movements like these:…
