SURVEY RESULTS -- YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE BORDER

We have the results from last week’s border control survey, and much like the country’s response to President Biden’s executive order, results are mixed.
 
Many of those who responded explained that they feel extremely conflicted about this policy. They value America’s history as a nation of immigrants who were fleeing oppression, but also acknowledge that there are not enough resources to take in every asylum seeker.

• "I have mixed feelings. I would like to think the US can offer asylum to anyone who needs it, but is that realistic? How do we manage those who need services, housing, medical care, and education? It’s a real challenge."
• "I do believe that we have a responsibility to provide asylum. But there must be a better, more orderly way to do it. I live in a state with many immigrants, some legal, some not. We have a much higher crime rate that involves illegals. There must be a way to stop the bad guys, but allow the deserving immigrants in."

Some participants feel strongly that America has made a promise to the world to accept those who need a safe home.

• "I see the statue standing in New York harbor as the welcome sign on the door. It was gifted to us from France as a sign of hope & sanctuary.  If we are not going to do that anymore then take it down & give it back.”
• "All people are our sisters & brothers. It is our moral and spiritual obligation to treat all in ways that honor their status as fellow human beings. To view a person as the other is to classify them as non-humans."

Others wrote that fixing the violence in South American nations that people are fleeing from should be a bigger priority than accepting asylum seekers.

• "I believe that people in other countries experiencing violence should fight for the rights they want in their own country. Fleeing to other countries will never change the situation in their country."
• "I think the US needs to help Mexico deal with the drug cartel problem militarily so that Mexico can be a better place to live.”

On a scale of 1-5, 35.7% of participants rated their concern about border control as a 3.
 
When it came specifically to Biden’s executive order, there was very little consensus on the idea that the openness of the border will fluctuate with the number of immigrants entering the country illegally. 39.5% said they wanted a more permanent solution. 30.2% said that the openness of the border should be flexible and driven by numbers, and 30.2% said that everyone seeking asylum should have their case heard.
 
A consistent theme across these responses, however, was that participants want to see changes in the way the US handles our southern border. The system as it stands is definitely not working for Americans.