(letter I sent to the Olympian  July 19, 2014–anniversary of  Nicaraguan Revolution)

Right now, Central Americans in El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala, live in an atmosphere of perpetual violence and extreme poverty.  As a result, hundreds of thousands of children and youths, often alone, migrate to the U.S.A.

The U.S. has contributed to this humanitarian crisis by actively supporting murderous military dictatorships there in the past. In 2009, the U.S. supported a military coup in Honduras against democratically elected and progressive President Zelaya. It has since supported repressive, corrupt governments there. The U.S.A contributes to poverty, high unemployment and limited educational opportunities in Central America through our current economic policies. This furthers opportunities for gangs like MS-13 to recruit. The selling of U.S. weapons to gangs there and the high demand for drugs like heroin here, fuels the violence. This is taking a huge death toll on Central American youths.

These children and their families fleeing extremely dangerous conditions are refugees. They should be given asylum and welcomed in our communities.  The position of the Democratic and Republican Parties to deport those who have crossed the border is inhumane.  The U.S. government should set up centers in Central American countries to grant refugee status and finance safe passage to the U.S., and grant asylum to those already here.

The protests in communities such as Murietta, California against these young immigrants are mean-spirited and racist. Soon, many Central American youths will be arriving at JBLM.  Others are coming here directly. Let’s welcome them, by opening our schools, communities, social services and hearts to them.