Wall of Hate

An opinion on the actions of President Trump

Sruthi Ramesh, Reporter

In the midst of the Trump Era, we have finally reached that fated moment that was promised by the President during his campaign. We’re talking about building a wall.

As of Jan. 25, the government temporarily ended what is now the longest government shutdown in American history, lasting a record-breaking 34 days. Democrats and Republicans are both on disagreement on the terms of the “Mexico Wall,” and compromises aren’t making any progress. But the whole idea of the wall seemed to be a continuation of Trump’s whole slogan of “Make America Great Again,” often implying or outright saying that one of the major problems is immigrants. His xenophobia has thrown fuel into a fire that has been simmering even before 9/11.

This was represented in January 2018 when he signed the executive order that banned foreigners from seven predominantly Muslim countries from visiting the country, as well as any other refugees from coming into the country. This was eventually dubbed “The Muslim Ban.” Next, he repealed the Deferred Action Program for Dreamers (DACA).

These caused an uproar among the citizens, as the wall is now. In fact, even wall supporters are now disappointed and angry. Trump’s original claims included that Mexico would pay for the wall and that it would be made of concrete. And now he is pushing the idea that it will be paid for by our government, and that it will be made of steel, so “it benefits our American steel industry.”

Trump is known for saying very vulgar and offensive things toward Mexico and its people, such as “When Mexico sends its people, they’re not sending their best… They’re sending people that have lots of problems, and they’re bringing those problems with us. They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists. And some, I assume, are good people,” assuming the worst about a country of millions.

He has also stated in a Tweet, “I love the Mexican people, but Mexico is not our friend. They’re killing us at the border and they’re killing us on jobs and trade. FIGHT!” How is it not possible to say that his motives are driven by bias and prejudice?

The only problem with the wall is… well… the whole thing. Drugs will not be stopped.

According to Timothy H. Kistner (a formal Homeland Security employee), most drugs get smuggled through legal ports of entry. Many illegal immigrants are those who have just simply overstayed their Visa, not those who have crossed treacherous terrain and vetting.

America has long been that land of opportunities for immigrants and a place where people come to live their dreams.  Can that be upheld with such a prominent sign of hatred?