At What Cost Human Dignitiy

Guillermo Arriaga wrote a wonderful piece in the International Herald Tribune that we get here in Europe about his "friends, the illegal immigrants".

It was very touching in the way he described the heartbreak, despair, and loneliness of this group of people of whom we know so little.

Like each and everyone of us, they just want to better life for themselves and their families. They think they know what's on the other side and if they have to brave the many dangers of sneaking across the border to earn a living wage with the possibility of a life of dignity free from want, then that's what they'll do.

Mr Arriaga touched on an issue that never occurred to me; the separation and ensuing jealousy, not only of those left behind but of those in America. Many of these people are illiterate.

And because years go by without any contact as they don't dare cross the border again, both parties wonder if another man or woman has taken their place. I think that's just so heartbreaking. It really teared me up.

All peoples want a good life, a roof over their heads to keep them warm and safe at night, food in their bellies and a sense of security; a feeling that they belong. When it's not available at home, what are they to do?

They must go where the possibilities exist. That's not hard to understand, is it?

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