Yuma County in Arizona
The journeys of Yuma County
Yuma County is near the Bill Williams River. Its South Western part was split off in 1983 in order to create La Paz County. The location of the country has made it the face of illegal immigration. The problem seems to be getting worse despite the rather draconian measures that the governor is taking. There have been many suggestions as to what the law enforcement officials can do about the path for illegal immigration which is making Yuma County so notorious. Many of the solutions are just unworkable.
First of all it has been suggested that the USA builds a perimeter wall with electricity and guard dogs. That would create a kind of fortress but countries that tried this like East Germany always ended up on the wrong side of history. The government of Arizona wants everyone to carry around papers stating that they have a legal right to be in the United States of America. The civil liberties groups are up in arms about this and it looks like the federal government could torpedo any efforts to implement these draconian laws.
A measured approach might bring a sense of calmness to the debate about immigration through Yuma County. There is no doubt that countries reserve the right to protect their borders. At the same time countries need to recognize that globalization means that the job protectionism is no longer applicable. Indian citizens in Asia do not need to every step into America in order to “take away American jobs”. All they need is a company that is willing to increase its profits through outsourcing. They will therefore be ready to take up the mantra. That is the irony in immigration through Yuma County.
Will Yuma County be closed down by immigration?
As the politicians try to outdo one another in terms of tough stances against immigrants, the local communities such as the Yuma County will need to find their own solutions. For the most part ordinary citizens have been tolerant of the newcomers. The problem is that politicians have turned the locality into some sort of football where they can vent all their vengeful rhetoric. The rabid attacks on immigrants are tinged with fear that eventually Latinos will become the majority in the United States of America. There is also the small matter of nationalistic egos. Anyone that attempts a calm discussion of the issues is immediately shut down.