Santa Maria people share thoughts about potential wall on border
A wall between the United States and Mexico could soon be in our future. This is raising concern for some people who live in Santa Maria who have family in both countries.
Many people in the area are divided on the issue.
“I think it’s the best thing the U.S could do right now,” says Craig Hartwig.
People on all sides of this issue around Santa Maria shared their thoughts as President Trump announced his plans to make the wall between the U.S and Mexico a reality.
“I don’t think it’s right and just like everybody says give Donald Trump a chance, I think they should give the Mexican people a chance too,” says Lisa Westbrook.
“People who already live here of all nationalities are going to benefit from it and I say let them come in from the front door and not the back door,” says Jim McComb.
The community this potential wall affects the most are those who have family in both countries like one Santa Maria woman who wanted to remain anonymous.
“He’s separating families, people have dreams to go to Mexico to see their parents, their brothers and what Donald Trump is doing isn’t right,” she says.
The woman has been in the country for 10 years and has raised both of her children here. She’s now worried about what the future will be like for her kids.
“Right now we have hope but with this all of our hope is gone,” she says.
While she is fearful, advocates of the wall say this will lead to more immigrants becoming citizens legally.
“My wife and I are adopting two Mexican children right now, we got one more year of immigration and we did it the right way and paid the money. So, if you want to come this country, pay the price,” says Hartwig.
It’s unclear when this wall will be built. As the President is saying the American taxpayer will pay for the wall and then Mexico will reimburse the United States.
Today, Congressman Salud Carbajal (D-CA) released the following statement on Donald Trump’s latest Executive Orders on immigration:
“President Trump’s proposed southern border wall is nothing more than a multi-billion dollar symbol of xenophobia and hate. This is not a strategic investment in our national security and the American taxpayers will be stuck holding the bill.
“As a proud immigrant, I know the value immigrants offer America’s culture and economy. Our nation’s diversity is part of what makes it great. My parents immigrated this country to provide opportunities for their children, the same hope that many immigrants and refugees share today.
“Our country has borne the negative effects of a broken immigration system for far too long. In Congress, I will continue to advocate for immigration reform that provides real border security, protects American workers, unites families and offers an earned pathway to citizenship. Not for a wall that only further divides our nation and compromises our values.”
