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How do border walls and immigration restrictions impact the human rights of those seeking refuge?

Harrison MacAlinden

Hey there! Are you curious about the impact of border walls and immigration restrictions on the human rights of those seeking refuge? Well, let me tell you, it's a pretty big deal!

Let's start with border walls. First of all, they're not just walls - we're talking about massive structures that span hundreds of miles, costing billions of dollars. But what do they actually do? Well, they're supposed to keep out people who don't have legal permission to enter a country. But here's the thing - people don't just migrate for kicks and giggles. They do it because they're fleeing violence, persecution, poverty, and other dire circumstances. So, while border walls may stop some people from entering a country, they also trap many others on the wrong side of the wall. This means that people who are seeking refuge may be forced to endure dangerous and difficult journeys through remote and treacherous terrain, risking their lives to make it to safety.

But that's just the tip of the iceberg. Border walls can also lead to the violation of human rights in other ways. For example, they can separate families, prevent access to healthcare and education, and restrict the right to seek asylum. In some cases, they can even result in the deaths of those who are attempting to cross.

Now, let's move on to immigration restrictions. These can come in many forms, from visa quotas to travel bans to deportations. While these policies may seem logical to some, they can have long-lasting and devastating effects on the lives of those seeking refuge.

Take, for example, the US travel ban on citizens of several countries with majority Muslim populations. This ban prevented people from these countries from traveling to the US, even if they had valid visas or green cards. This meant that people who had already gone through the long and arduous process of obtaining legal status in the US were suddenly barred from entering the country. Families were separated, jobs were lost, and lives were disrupted.

Likewise, visa quotas can make it nearly impossible for people to obtain legal permission to enter a country. This means that people who are seeking refuge may be trapped in dangerous or unstable situations, unable to leave and unable to find a safe haven.

Overall, the impact of border walls and immigration restrictions on the human rights of those seeking refuge is enormous. These policies can result in the violation of the right to freedom of movement, the right to seek and enjoy asylum, and the right to family reunification, among others. They can also lead to increased violence, discrimination, and hardship for those who are already vulnerable. So, while it may seem tempting to build walls or restrict immigration, we must always remember that people's lives are at stake.