Often left out of the US immigration debate are the stories of the people trying to enter the United States. The immigrants from many countries are lumped together as if all are the same. A series of short videos commissioned by Amnesty International in 2010 shows the stories of the ‘invisible’ migrants.
“People leave their countries to find a better future, but instead of finding a better future, they come across things they would never expect to find. It’s very sad for all of us because we are all suffering,” says one man.
“The journey is very difficult. People’s lives are in danger here. You could get kidnapped or have your money stolen. Women and children are raped. Very ugly things happen here.”
Families with infants are risking everything to cross the border into the United States. While walls are being built and efforts try to keep people out, migrants keep trying to enter. It is time to stop asking what should be done to keep people out and understand why they want to come. Only then can the US lawmakers begin to shape policies that will benefit everyone. Most of all, they can assure that people no longer endure such hardships just to find a better life.
