Kids at the border

I sent the following letter to the Morning Call this evening.

Dear Editor,

Some of the recent letters concerning the separation of kids from their parents at the border are both heartfelt and angry.  A few points should be addressed to clarify some of the issues raised.

It is true that American servicemen and women are separated from their children for long periods of time, but the parents know where their children are, can talk to them by phone or on-line, and have the expectation of returning when their tour of duty is completed.

It is true that criminals are put in jail without their children, but again, they know where those children are, and almost all prisoners in the U.S. are allowed visits by family members. 

It is true that the foster programs in the U.S. have problems, but the men and women who run those programs are doing their best to ensure that the children’s interests are the first priority.  

It is true that parents are bringing their children to the border, but most of them are petitioning for asylum.  It is not illegal to petition for asylum.  Fear of physical harm is a reason to grant asylum.  While the U.S. has denied asylum to must applicants in the past year, there is a regular process.  These are not people wading across the Rio Grande.

Finally, a number of letter writers seem to think that if asylum is granted to some people, it means that the border is open to all who desire to enter the U.S.  I fail to see where that follows.