The Plight of the Munoz Family
Al Jazeera's Witness recently featured the Munoz Family. Leslie Munoz is the eldest daughter who was born in the United States and was interviewed by Ragi Omar about the predicament of her family. Her parents were deported to Mexico after 22 years living in the United States. Leslie, at a moment's notice, became the parent.
Omar's report traced this family as they traveled across the border to see their parents in Tijuana. Tijuana is one of the most dangerous cities in Mexico as it continues to suffer from the war on drugs. The parents, now, are making money selling stuff from their kitchen. The kids are trying to keep a chin up despite the fact that they are one final step away from being homeless. Some may say that the kids should go back with their parents. But, the fact that there are over 3 Million Children who are faced with the same situation that the Munoz family is faced with is a challenge for U.S. Immigration Policy. Many such children are perfect pray for gangs. Just as in Healthcare, there needs to be the political courage and compassion needed to deal with such family separations. Whether that in fact happens is another matter.
Omar's report traced this family as they traveled across the border to see their parents in Tijuana. Tijuana is one of the most dangerous cities in Mexico as it continues to suffer from the war on drugs. The parents, now, are making money selling stuff from their kitchen. The kids are trying to keep a chin up despite the fact that they are one final step away from being homeless. Some may say that the kids should go back with their parents. But, the fact that there are over 3 Million Children who are faced with the same situation that the Munoz family is faced with is a challenge for U.S. Immigration Policy. Many such children are perfect pray for gangs. Just as in Healthcare, there needs to be the political courage and compassion needed to deal with such family separations. Whether that in fact happens is another matter.
Mike Pouraryan
