A U.S.-made crisis

I write in response to an item addressing the zero-tolerance policy targeting unauthorized entrants to the U.S. (“Imprisonment of border detainees draws fire,” June 9, 2018).

Unauthorized border crossing is not a crime; it is a civil violation (8 U.S. Code § 1325). Alien smuggling is a crime (8 USC § 1324); however, the Immigration and Nationality Act authorizes a waiver for those who smuggle their children. INA § 212(a)(6)(E)(iii). The waiver’s existence reflects Congress’ awareness of the trauma caused by splitting families.

The policy regarding unlawful crossings contravenes law as well as convention, thus exacerbating the humanitarian crisis, which must be viewed in light of the U.S. role in its creation through involvement in the Salvadoran civil war in the 1980s. Thousands of Salvadorans came to this country seeking refuge. Many settled in Los Angeles. To protect themselves against existing gangs, they formed their own. Deported back to El Salvador, they applied all they’d learned in LA on the local populace.

It’s hard to watch well-dressed, well-fed government officials and others rail against the “invasion” by those fleeing a crisis we helped create. “Justice and fair play” dictates that we atone for our misadventures in Central America.

Gregory Cunningham

Spokane