“Voces Unidas RGV Condemns President Biden’s Border Wall Waivers”
Rio Grande Valley — October 4, 2023 — Voces Unidas RGV and Rio Grande Valley (RGV) communities have opened our arms, our home and our hearts to refugees, asylum seekers and people on the move for decades. Our work is centered in the interconnection of community and the space it occupies by being in the right relationship with the land and all beings along our migratory corridor. This means we not only care about the outcomes of migrating people, but the integrity of our soils and waters, and the animals and native plants that support our fragile ecosystems.
We are confused and angered by the decision to further punish the most innocent, most vulnerable people in our communities, people who are already underserved and ignored across regional and state governments, with this increase in border walls. Eighty-five percent of our communities have limited to no access to green spaces. This action further endangers our quality-of-life, limiting our access to said green spaces, recreation spaces and Indigenous sacred sites, like those of the Carrizo-Comecrudo Tribe of Texas.
The Biden Administration’s decision to eliminate established environmental, public health and cultural resource protection laws to fast-track construction of the US - Mexico border wall, after months of bottlenecks at border ports of entry due to the failed CBP One app, is a slap in the face to RGV communities that have first-hand knowledge of the failed administrative frameworks enforced by Customs and Border Protection.
For months, the legal ports of entry have swelled with those hoping to wait their turn to cross the US boundary and claim asylum. Limiting access to the legal ports of entry in locations that lack shelter, food and washroom facilities has put enormous pressure on humanitarian groups and their resources to keep these people safe and free of exploitation from established cartels who have been known to physically assault, sexually assault and/or rob asylum seekers who grow desperate and seek out their services. In other cases, they are not even given such a choice.
We seek to restore the unity and family values that are a universal signpost between all of our cultures and ecosystems. When we come together across racial differences, we can make this a nation we’re proud to leave our kids, one that honors the courage and commitment of those who would do anything to make life better for those to come.
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