This was an issue that I didn’t wish to address, but the amount of hateful things I have heard about immigration won’t let me stay quiet.

As we speak, anywhere from 3000 to 7000 migrants from Honduras and surrounding countries are headed to America. They are traveling over a thousand miles to reach the United States border. Fleeing for their safety, they are coming to the U.S. to request asylum– a process that is perfectly legal.

Once at our border asylum seekers are taken in and go through the process of getting citizenship or a temporary protected status just like anyone else. This fear mongering and hatred directed at immigrants is inexplicable.

President Trump’s baseless claims only add to the fear and terror instilled in the many Americans that claim America is supposed to be the “home of the brave.” I see no bravery in degrading asylum seekers into mere statistics or leeches. I see no bravery in picking on those that are less-fortunate than ourselves. I see no bravery in blaming others for our own problems.

These people, like those of the book of Exodus (a book in the bible that Americans claim to love so much), are seeking the promised land. They are chasing a dream and they are headed here to ask for asylum legally.

“Sadly, it looks like Mexico’s Police and Military are unable to stop the Caravan heading to the Southern Border of the United States. Criminals and unknown Middle Easterners are mixed in. I have alerted Border Patrol and Military that this is a National Emergy(sic). Must change laws!” President Trump tweet Oct. 22 2018.

There has been no proof that the caravan is being infiltrated by MS-13 or the “Middle Easterners” that Trump seems to be so afraid of. Reports by the AP News state that those who are headed here are Hondurans that are trying to escape poverty, corruption and violence that is prevalent in their country. Many of these people are women and children that simply want a chance at a better life.

America is not a perfect country, but we have it better than most. So it is our duty to help our neighbors. This isn’t a cry for open borders. This is a response to those that claim to be good people because they carry a crucifix or because they were born here.

Anti-immigrant Bible thumpers spit out your hatred and love your neighbor; your hypocrisy can’t be good for the soul. And for those anti-immigrants born here, answer the call. This is a nation built by immigrants. You received an opportunity that most only dream of, and kicking others because you got your chance isn’t American. It’s cowardly. And that doesn’t fly here, after all, this is the home of the brave.

These people aren’t doing anything wrong. They are traveling this long road in a pack for safety. They are human beings with dreams and aspirations. However, at the moment I can only imagine they are carrying a heavy pain in their hearts. So, give them a hand and let them show up at our doorstep. That way they can apply for asylum legally just like anybody else because it is their right as our fellow people.