President Trump tries economic approach to immigration crisis

The images and the stories coming to us from the US-Mexico border are tragic, to say the least.

America is, and always will be, a nation of immigrants.  Our distinction as the land of opportunity has been intact for hundreds of years now, and we recognize that legal immigration to our nation is a force to be reckoned with.  It amplifies our diversity, which is a strength here in the United States.

Illegal immigration, however, has dire consequences not only for the affected nations, but also for the migrants themselves.

Many who make that perilous journey do so at the whim of nefarious characters, and in harsh and unforgiving conditions.  The reality of an illegal border crossing isn’t a hike through the desert, rather it is a harrowing and horrific journey devoid of the safety nets of the civilized world.  Women and children are victimized all too often during the trip, and all-too-many succumb to the elements.

That is why President Trump is doing his damnedest to entice these would-be Americans to pursue legal immigration avenues.

The going has been tough on the subject, as “resistance” politicians have blocked the President’s every move.  Now, Trump is trying something unprecedented, threatening Mexico with trade tariffs unless they lend a helping hand.

“On June 10th, the United States will impose a 5% Tariff on all goods coming into our Country from Mexico, until such time as illegal migrants coming through Mexico, and into our Country, STOP,” President Trump wrote in a Thursday night tweet.

“The Tariff will gradually increase until the Illegal Immigration problem is remedied,” the president said and continued in a subsequent post, “….at which time the Tariffs will be removed. Details from the White House to follow.”

The White House released a statement shortly after the tweet, further explaining the President’s plan and the possible execution of the operation.