As you march for freedom, for a better life, and for a new beginning your throat starts to burn. You notice its becoming harder and harder for you to breath, you look up and your family is experiencing it too. Your whole body is experiencing this awful burning and you are unable to comprehend what has happened. It’s almost been a minute since the peaceful march into the border has turned into a heartless act from border patrol. Border patrol agents have fired tear gas into the crowd, wearing masks sheltering them from the effects you are experiencing. What is tear gas? How is this fair? How is this right?

Illegal immigration is an ongoing discussion is today’s American politics. Whether that means President Donald Trump’s zero tolerance policy needs to be enforced or that this country needs to be more welcoming of immigrants. President Trump has made many remarks about the issue. He believes that the number of illegal immigrants in this country is not acceptable and is harming our country. Because he believes they are harming our country, he wants every single illegal immigrant to be deported. He has stated multiple times that he wants to build some aspect of a wall, dividing the U.S. and Mexico. Although he has yet to do so, he has certainly started to take action against migrants headed for the U.S. border.

On Sunday, November 25, five hundred hundred migrants crowded the San Ysidro Port of Entry.  U.S. border officers chose to use tear gas against the Central American migrants, and by doing so, they enforced the worst of Trump’s zero tolerance policy, which affected families including young children. Mothers and their toddlers have been pictured running for safety, while others were just too late to avoid the effects.  This method is unacceptable.

There are thousands of families who are currently detained in US facilities. Needless to say this isn’t the first extreme attempt President Trump has made in effort to keep the illegal immigrants out of the country.

Every attempt the President has made to enforce his zero tolerance policy has been nothing short of controversial and heartless. He has separated children from their parents, and put these people in sickening living conditions. Many journalists have captured what it’s like for these people and have been able to show the horrific emotions and hardships they go through in an effort to live in the U.S.  

The way in which our country is handling illegal immigration issues and enforcing President Trump’s zero tolerance policy needs to change. I believe that all people need to be treated with respect, sensitivity, and decency. Regardless of their social economic, racial, or ethnic background we all deserve the same rights and treatment. This is what the U.S. is supposed to stand for. As a citizens of the U.S. it is our responsibility along with the government to support change.