You're not alone

In the context of today’s immigration debate, it is often remarked that the only people in the USA who are not immigrants are the Native Americans. The truth, however, is that even the Native Americans’ ancestors migrated to the land mass now called America. Scientific research indicates that the first humans arrived on this continent sometime between 12 ,000 and 35,000 years ago during a period of heavy glaciation. In fact, archeological studies of human evolution show clearly that humans started migrating as soon as we came into existence. So, the Native Americans were the direct descendants of the first humans to arrive here, but the first arrivals to America were actually putting the finishing touches on the global migration project that humanity began some 170,000 years ago, around the time that, as far as we know, we began to have rounded skulls and protruding chins.  In other words, migration has been integral to our evolution as a species. The impulse to move from land mass to land mass, region to region, country to country is an instinct as fundamental as survival itself. Trying to control or suppress this instinct with laws is like trying to legislate away our need for food, community, or sex. Like it or not, migration is here to stay. Constructs like laws and borders may manage the phenomenon somewhat, but they can’t stop it altogether, and if they are too rigid, narrow, or harsh, they will be ineffectual at best, cruel and deadly at worst. Am I advocating an open border for America where we invite the whole world to move in with us? Not really (though I have my doubts that doing so would cause much of a change in this country’s demographics – most people who really want or need to be here have found a way already to be here, as we humans have proven exceptionally good at doing what it takes to survive). What I am saying is that a legal system that punishes people for responding to this profound evolutionary impulse is a bad and ultimately unsustainable system. In the United States, it seems clear that we are at the tail end of a decade’s long effort to restrict migration more tightly than is reasonable, necessary, or sustainable. Unfortunately, our restrictive immigration laws have not only failed to stop immigration, they’ve caused immense harm and suffering to some of the most undeserving folks on the planet in the process. Like those of eras past, today’s migrants are at the vanguard of humanity’s advancement. The majority of them have endured and overcome enormous adversity, made incredible sacrifices, and exhibited a level of courage that is not required of most of us who are privileged to be able to stay put for several generations. The thousand or so that I know through my work are generally blessed with the humility, gratitude, and graciousness that accompany people who have survived near-death experiences. Working with people of this caliber is a gift and I consider myself among the most fortunate professionals I know because of the character of my clients. I look forward to the day when the laws in the United States and the rhetoric surrounding this issue match and support the humanity of their subjects. Until then, we at JLWILG will continue to push and fight for a humane immigration system that honors the resilience and contributions of today’s migrants who, like those before them, are helping to shape and advance our collective human journey.