The campaign signs lining the streets tell a vivid story about the current political climate surrounding immigration in the United States. For the Democrats, the message is straightforward: “Harris Walz” emblazoned in patriotic red, white, and blue. On the Republican side, the slogans take on a more pointed tone: “Trump low taxes, Kamala high taxes”; “Trump safety, Kamala crime”; “Trump secure border, Harris open border.” At the heart of these messages lies a complex narrative about immigration and its deep-seated implications for American society.
Immigration has taken center stage in U.S. politics ever since Donald Trump famously announced his candidacy by stating, “When Mexico sends its people, they’re not sending their best…they’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists.” Nine years later, while the language may have shifted, the underlying themes remain alarmingly consistent, as illustrated by extreme and often dehumanizing rhetoric.
Nowhere is this issue more pressing than in Arizona, where the border with Mexico sees thousands of attempted crossings daily. Here, immigration stands as Trump’s strongest terrain. Polls indicate that voters prioritizing immigration as their main issue favor Trump over Harris by a margin of 12 percent. Concerns about “illegal aliens” threatening communities and taking jobs contribute to the strong call for stricter border controls among the electorate.
In 2022, Republican Governors Ron DeSantis of Florida and Greg Abbott of Texas made headlines by transporting asylum seekers from their states to liberal areas like Massachusetts and New York City, exposing eastern residents to the realities faced by border communities. This provocative tactic drew significant attention and altered public perceptions, as New York City’s homeless shelters overflowed.
In February, a shift occurred when Joe Biden garnered enough Democratic support for immigration reform that aligned with many Republican demands, including more frequent border closures and enhanced deportation measures. However, under Trump’s direction, Republicans were instructed to withhold support from this comprehensive proposal, leaving the country without substantial immigration reform for over four decades. Today, immigration remains a contentious issue that poses a vulnerability for the Democrats, even amidst a bipartisan desire for stricter border controls.
Despite the overwhelming support for toughened immigration policies, there exists a contrasting narrative that underscores the humanity of asylum seekers. Just thirty miles from the border, in the small Arizona town of Sahuarita, the Good Shepherd Uniting Church serves as a beacon of hope. Led by Pastor Randy Mayer, congregants and volunteers gather supplies to assist asylum seekers at La Casa, a shelter providing refuge to those fleeing violence and instability in their home countries.
Randy and his team often venture into the Arizonian desert, seeking out migrants who have crossed the border. They provide vital aid, offering food and water to those in dire need. For many, this assistance may be their only lifeline. La Casa’s residents, who have navigated a complex asylum application process through the troubled CBP One app, find solace and safety while awaiting their interviews for asylum. Yet, the wait can stretch to nearly a year, highlighting the challenges faced by those seeking refuge.
Pastor Randy emphasizes the importance of understanding these individuals’ stories. “Most people in the United States do not know a migrant, and they don’t understand the challenges they’re facing,” he explains. Personal connections foster empathy, yet many of his neighbors hold steadfastly anti-immigration views, often based on misinformation. Despite this, Randy remains hopeful, advocating for change while expressing disappointment that both parties have failed to provide meaningful solutions.
The U.S.-Mexico border is a complex tapestry of human experiences, filled with stories of hope, despair, and ongoing legal battles. Individuals on both sides of the political divide remain entrenched in their positions, often disconnected from the realities at the border. As tensions continue to escalate, the challenge lies in bridging the divide to forge a path forward that honors the humanity of all involved.
Read more: