This episode is different from others run in Ohio's Bios. For Episode 12 I share about a unique opportunity I had to visit the US Mexican Border in McAllen, Texas to view firsthand the Border Crisis at the southern border, learn how it impacts the entire United States, and determine policies ideas for helping to secure the border. I took this trip led by American's For Prosperity, a national policy nonprofit aimed at educating citizens and advocating for economic freedom.

We saw a Rio Grande River crossing in the McAllen Water District run by Othal Brand. Touched several variations of walls, technology, and structural barriers. Also heard from retired Yuma, Arizona Border Patrol Chief Chris Clem about his experience and policy ideas- just a wall or just technology or just more staff will not secure our border, policy changes must be made to clear confusion and direct behavior to legal immigration. Then visited the Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley to hear how they process and serve as respite care hundreds of people daily before they go to their sponsor in America.

The solution isn't just a 1 prong approach but 4. 1) More physical barriers where it makes sense to slow border crossers, 2) more technology for surveillance and notifications where it makes sense, 3) more staffing for Border Patrol Agents to increase the force and immigration Judges, 4) change of policies for Immigration itself removing unclear policies and increasing ability for legal immigration or work migration.

See photos at: www.davidthomasforashtabulacounty.com/single-post/my-visit-to-the-us-mexican-border