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Migrant Deaths at the Mexico Border



  In comparison to former years, deaths of migrants near the Mexico-United States border has increased by 17%. This is largely due to the current the administration's views on immigration, in the form of both hateful rhetoric as well as policies and future plans (i.e, the wall), that ends in less success in crossing the border. One such strategy used is referred to as "prevention of deterrence," which focuses on heavily controlling areas that have resources, and in turn, forcing migrants to travel through the most harsh parts of the desert, leading to many never crossing the United States border. This route is often taken out of fear of detainment.

     This increase in deaths is incredibly troubling, and is a prime example of the dehumanization that may occur when one thinks in ways that are "us vs. them" and view citizenship as something that is more important than life itself. It is very important to note that many migrants do not have dental or medical records to use in the identification process, meaning many families may not ever be sure what happened to their loved ones, a privilege that I had never even considered that I have. These ideas also reinforce the idea that some humans are illegal, as well as perpetuates stereotypes about immigrants (however, these stereotypes are largely only applied to POC who immigrate, rather than those who are White, which is another issue to be discussed.) These ideas add to minority stress for those who are successful in migrating, and I would imagine add to feelings/attitudes within the acculturation model that fall within the categories of separation and marginalization.

     Many of the things people can do to be involved in order to prevent deaths at the border include being more educated on migrant abuse and discrimination, as well as the ways in which the United States has contributed to the destabilization of many of the countries people are emigrating from. Other steps include making sure you are aware of immigration policies, and the stances of those running for office to represent within Congress.


Reference:
https://everydayfeminism.com/2017/11/increase-in-border-deaths/

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