LETTERS TO THE EITOR

Pay attention overseas

Posted

To the editor:

The United States’ “zero tolerance” policy was condemned by the United Nations Human Rights Council as it called for an “immediate halt” of the policy of separating children from their parents after crossing the U.S. border.

After receiving much public pressure, President Trump signed an executive order into law, which gave no revocation of the policy. In fact, the executive order stated it planned to continue the policy, only keeping families together where “appropriate and consistent with law and available resources.”

The United States spends approximately 1 percent of its international budget on foreign aid, while the average U.S. citizen estimates about 20 percent is spent. Advocating for policy that increases international aid inherently advocates for those men, women and children in developing countries who receive it in various ways. 

When people are lifted out of poverty, there are global improvements in health and happiness.

Defense spending is important, but it is more sensical to protect our national security pre-emptively by encouraging international development rather than reactively through military force.

While Donald Trump and the controversial battle to keep families together at the border have been on the forefront of our news lately, it is important to remember how significant the legislative branch is in American politics.

People of Riverdale, please reach out to your elected officials Chuck Schumer, Kirsten Gillibrand and Eliot Engel, and ask them to support legislation that can help people who seek asylum and/or immigrate to the United States.

Sierra Arral

Sierra Arral

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