Treat the disease

The influx of minors from Central America challenges us to control our borders while upholding basic ideals. We should consider the following:

A 2008 anti-trafficking law states that minors can’t be turned away at the border without a hearing to determine if they’re in need of aid. This law must remain intact.

Minors should have legal representation during trials. The government isn’t currently required to provide lawyers to illegals but it is required to provide a fair trial. Many children go unrepresented. Such hearings can’t be fair when federal lawyers are pitted against children who may not speak English and who may be unaware of how to request representation.

Raising the number of refugee visas is helpful, but it’s not enough. We need to make the application process user-friendly. People in violent, poor regions are desperate and may not have the time or opportunity to access traditional immigration paperwork.

Deporting children to Central America, even to send a strong message, is an expensive way to treat a symptom, not the disease. Violence and destitution will still drive people to the U.S. border. If we place our efforts into helping Central America, illegal immigration may decrease; if we fight against cartels, we will protect innocent people and ourselves from actual criminals.

America is a country of freedom and justice. We face great challenges, but our commitment to these ideals is only validated during times of testing. Send letters to your views@opubco.com or to Your Views, P.O. Box 25125, Oklahoma City, OK 73125. Word limit is 250. Include a postal address and telephone number. For other guidelines, go to www.newsok.com/voices/ guidelines or call (405) 475-3469.