Thread by @BetoORourke

To address the underlying causes for the current level of immigration & asylum requests at our border AND ensure that we have a fair, predictable and lawful system to process immigration applications and maintain the integrity of our border with Mexico, we must

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Rewrite our immigration laws to reflect the priority of family reunification, the contributions of millions of hardworking Americans who lack documentation and status in this country, & our desire to ensure a safe, legal path to come to this country;

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We must also prioritize Mexico & Central America in our foreign policy. This region that we are connected to physically, culturally & through our families is always an afterthought at best in our foreign policy, a priority only when there is perceived crisis.

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We will not address the underlying issues that cause so many to come here if we do not work with the people, NGOs & governments of these countries. 

That should include working to repair the damage caused in part by U.S. policies and a commitment to change those policies.

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Our involvement in Central America’s civil wars led to death & devastation that is still felt in the region today.

And U.S. drug demand & drug war have helped hollow out civil society in these countries, contributing to government corruption & horrific gang violence.

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Our failure to act in the face of the science and consequences of climate change has produced devastating storms and droughts that make it a challenge for many to feed themselves and survive in communities throughout Central America.

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We must change course. Rewrite our immigration laws. Make this hemisphere our #1 foreign policy priority; end the war on drugs; support anti-corruption efforts; & lead in confronting climate change before it’s too late & before more families in the Americas are displaced.

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