5 Important Questions Every Latino Should Be Asking Themselves About Immigration and the Border Crisis

The current situation along the southern border of the United States has escalated to new highs in recent weeks.

The nation -- and lawmakers -- are divided about how to address the humanitarian crisis, in which 90,000 unaccompanied immigrant children from Central America are expected to cross into the U.S. in 2014 alone. That number is expected to go even higher in 2015. 

With all the conflicting information surrounding the crisis, we think it's important that Latinos remain informed as to what's important for them to know about immigration. For that reason, we've pulled together the five most important questions Latinos should be asking regarding the current border crisis. 

5. Do I Know Enough About the Border Crisis?

In recent weeks thousands of undocumented immigrants, mostly from Central American countries, have attemped to cross the southern border of the United States. Many of them are unaccompanied minors, placed on buses in their home countries and sent north to America in the hopes that they will be able to re-unite with family, or simply be allowed to stay in this country to have a better life. 

Many of the buses, after crossing the border and directed to U.S. Border patrol facilities for processing by federal officials, have been met with vicious hostility in places like Murrieta, California.

At least some of the reason for the wave of backlash from Americans against the new undocumented immigrants is the false notion that all of them will be granted citizenship by the Obama administration. This is simply not true, as many of these immigrants detained while attempting to cross the border have already been deported.

4. Why Should I Care What Happens to People Crossing the Border?

This is an important question not just for Latinos, but for all Americans. Anyone who claims American citizenship, except for the handful of Native Americans left in this country, at some point immigrated or decended from people who did.

As President Kennedy once said, we are a nation of immigrants.

Simply turning this latest wave of immigrants away without at least attempting to provide them with basic care or supplies is inhumane. The reputation of our country is being shaped before our eyes as the world watches how tolerant or intolerant we will be to those in need.

And even if you don't agree that these undocumented immigrants should be allowed to remain in this country, treating them with anything less than the dignity every human deserves is simply wrong. 

3. Where Do I Stand on Immigration Reform?

Congress is currently stalling on immigration reform. Why? Because it's an election year. No one wants to bear the repercussions of an unpopular immigration bill right before the November election. But that doesn't mean you can't make your voice known. 

Both the Democrats and Republicans have their visions for the future of immmigratioin policy. Last year the Senate passed its immigration bill only to have it shutdown by the House. This really makes no sense because according to Forbes, the bill has components both liberals and conservatives should be excited about.

It's estimated that this Senate bill could reduce the national deficit "by nearly a trillion dollars over the next 20 years," reports Forbes. Additionally, wages would be expected to increase under this bill by as much as 25% while also creating 160,000 jobs per year.

It's important that you know what is at stake, and also what legislation is being considered by your elected officials. The future of this country is undoubtedly married to the Latino vote, but it's on you to make our representatives realize this sooner rather than later. Jobs and lives could depend on it. 

2. How Can I Get Involved?

There are plenty of non-profit organizations fighting for the rights of those attempting to enter this country and who are also working to raise awareness regarding this issue. Border Angels is one such organization. In addition to raising awareness regarding the plight of undocumented immigrants, Enrique and his team also regularly make the trek out to the desert mountains north of San Diego to leave water and supplies for the many immigrants who pass through there after crossing the border.

Hundreds of immigrants die each year crossing the southern border as they face freezing nights and blistering heat. People like Enrique Morales are doing all they can to help end such a senseless loss of life.

You can check out our exclusive interview with Border Angels founder and executive director Enrique Morales or visit their site borderangels.org to donate or find out more about how you can support their efforts. 

1. Where Do My Elected Representatives Stand on This Issue?

This might be the most important question you can ask yourself. Find out if your elected officials are aware of and doing anything about the current border crisis in America.

If they aren't, guess what? This is an election year. Make your voice known to those up for re-election and let them know that this issue matters, or find a candidate running for office this fall who already understands how important it is that real change is made when it comes to our immigration policy.