FROLITICKS

In recent months, we have seen in both Canada and the U.S. belligerent reactions directed at refugees. In the U.S., some American politicians and citizens have lambasted the Obama administration over the influx of Central American illegal refugees, especially children, across their southern border. White House officials have insisted that extreme poverty and an epidemic of gang violence in certain Central American countries were the main causes of the unanticipated spike in illegal migration. Meanwhile, in Canada, the Supreme Court ruled that recent federal policies to limit the kinds of medical care that refugees would be entitled to were overly cruel and unusual treatment. Indeed, such policies are contrary to Canada’s Charter of Rights. However, recent polls have shown that Canadians, like many Americans, appear to support the tightening up of rules governing the treatment and deportation of illegal refugees.

Whatever happened to the fundamental edict opening our borders up to those persecuted, the ill and the impoverished? Have our values as nations changed that much? Both countries were built on the sweat and hard work of immigrants, including refugees escaping all forms of persecution in other countries and seeking to better their lives and that of their children. Just as a nation is judged by how well it cares for those citizens requiring assistance and the less fortunate, it must also be judged on how it treats outsiders seeking refuge within its borders. The fact that the state may view their entry as legal or illegal does not matter. These refugees are desperate, often taking enormous personal risks to travel to our countries.

The very definition of a refugee is a person who has been forced to leave their country in order to escape war, persecution or natural disaster. Today, one can further add conditions attributed to poor economies, drug cartel violence, extreme poverty, lack of affordable medical care, etc. As two of the wealthiest countries in the world, it is only natural that persons would seek refuge in the U.S. and Canada. Until conditions improve in their native countries, the constant influx of refugees, legal or otherwise, will only continue. Simply deporting desperate people and their families is surely not the only answer. Instead of knee jerk reactions, both countries should look at new and more effective internal and external policies to accommodate the needs of these less fortunate.

I know that the majority of Canadians and Americans are much more humane and caring than any polling would show. As societies, we both share similar values when it comes to fairness, equality and openness. Hopefully, we can be more understanding and better demonstrate our humanity by opening our hearts and resources to those who are less fortunate. I know that I will.