The Line Becomes a River
The Line Becomes a River is the most powerful of all the books read so far this course. His experiences as a border patrol officer made the migration and immigration policy issues so visible with his inside view. After learning about the history of the border and the present situation, it is clear that the situation has just become worse as time has gone by. Francisco Cantu’ made the best distinction between the federal government and the local borderland views about migration. Most lawmakers in Washington D.C. are detached from the suffering that takes place at the border. This seems to be the same for many in the justice system. And the policies that actually promote the suffering and death of people who cross the line into the dangerous deserts is truly horrible. This subject does not get enough attention.
The stories that Cantu’ told made this all so real and believable. It feels like he had so much more he could have told. He sacrificed himself to be able to learn and understand what few people know about what occurs on the border with the migrants and the operations of the border patrol. He should be admired for this. Hopefully there are many other agents that share his compassion for the people.
This reading pointed out how the suffering, death, and treatment of the migrants is so dehumanizing and how they are nameless statistics. How they are seen as criminals and low-life’s coming to the U.S. to cause problems or take jobs away, or use the welfare system. These people live in fear and cross the border taking great risk because they fear staying more than facing the dangers of crossing and facing the chance of getting caught and being detained in terrible conditions. It’s a survival choice. It seems that Americans are so out of touch with what others in this world suffer. Most people have compassion for others, they just don’t have the awareness or see the reality of the situation. Most people were very upset about the child separation policy recently used to deter people from crossing. Also, many were disturbed about the conditions these people were held under, especially the children.
Cantu’ quotes Susan Sontag and Derrick Jensen as they speak of compassion and how it is useless if it does not lead to action. It is true. Are you really compassionate if you don’t do something to change a situation or at least try, whatever it is? Cantu’, by writing and having this book published, was one big example of taking action. How do you read this and not be truly affected? he helps readers who are wanting to take action by listing organizations involved in bringing awareness and aiding migrants crossing the border.
There are so many crises happening now that it is hard to concentrate on one. But, as usual, those that are suffering the most are the are those that have been oppressed from the start. Taking action to help doesn’t have to cost money. Just talking to people or sharing information on social media about the subject can be effective. We have to keep the subject in the conversation. We have to find and vote for candidates for office that truly care about ALL people, and have taken action to show it.
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