The Overflowing Migratory River

There is a lot of talk about migration. There are thousands of articles and publications on the subject, and it seems that everyone has their own opinion on the matter. But we have forgotten to ask the people who migrate what they feel about this reality that they live in their flesh. Undoubtedly, some have been interviewed by the media and surveyed by researchers. While this information collected can be valuable in informing the public and providing statistics on the issue, it fails to fully address the depth of trauma, pain, injustice, and desperation they endure.

The reality is that their situation is far more complex than it appears. I am not intending to disqualify the hard work that individuals and local and international organizations are doing to help alleviate this humanitarian crisis, but my point is: if there are so many people, groups, and organizations working on this, why is this migration phenomenon still so overwhelming? What are we doing wrong that we are not able to respond to the demands of this ongoing crisis? What pieces are we losing sight of that prevent us from channeling this overflowing migratory river?

Indeed, migration is global, but it is well known that certain countries are seen as destination countries because they apparently offer more opportunities for a better life. The United States is one of the countries with the highest demand for entry. Everyone talks about their “American dream,” a dream that today, more than ever, has become a nightmare from which we cannot wake up.

As I try to figure out answers to my endless questions, through my own experience, I know that thousands, millions of people carry wounds so deep in their bodies and souls that no human being should ever have to carry. I have been able to see, hear, and feel their stories of pain, sadness, despair, and anguish.

How is it possible that more than 281 million people have been forced to migrate due to the terrible living conditions in their countries of origin? (IOM, 2023) This number continues to grow every day.

How is it possible that the countries through which they travel do not establish fair and comprehensive policies to allow them safe transit? Where is the international protection that should be offered to people on the move not by choice but for survival? Where is the humanitarian response of the receiving countries? Why do we criminalize and demonize the desire of people to seek a better life for themselves and their children? What is wrong with that desire? And is that not the very reason for the advancement and growth of society as we know it?

An important piece that has not been addressed is that those who have the power to make just laws have failed to recognize the human dignity of our fellow human beings. People are increasingly faced with the urgent need to leave their countries of origin and the reduced possibilities of reaching their destination, which puts them in a situation of vulnerability where their lives are at risk, and those who manage to survive are marked for life by the trauma.

We cannot be indifferent to this reality. The lack of opportunities, as well as the danger in their countries of origin, the hostility of the countries of transit, and the selective and restrictive response of the countries of destination jeopardize the harmony and mental health of the entire global society. In the absence of real and concrete actions, we are all collaborating to create a society sickened by the level of trauma faced by our brothers and sisters along the way. We are allowing organized crime (drug cartels) to continue to grow its economic empire at the expense of the lives and mental stability of nations everywhere.

Let’s wake up now from this nightmare! Let’s help make our brothers and sisters’ dreams come true! There is still time to save our world! There is still time to recognize each other as sisters and brothers! There is still time to create just policies for all! There is still time to create a better world! The time is now! Let this be the time!