Many Americans thought that Donald Trump’s proposed US-Mexico border wall was never going to materialize, but they were wrong.

President Trump has clearly shown that he intends to begin construction in the near future. CNBC estimates the cost to range anywhere from 12-15 billion dollars. During the 2016 campaign, Trump insisted that Mexico would pay for the wall. Now Trump has asked Congress to provide the funds which Mexico will pay back to the United States. These demands put the prospects of future relations between the U.S. and Mexico on a negative track. High profile individuals such as Pope Francis have spoken out emphatically against the wall: “A person who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges, is not Christian. This is not the gospel.” Many people believe that, beside damaging U.S. relations with a close neighbor and ally, President Trump’s plan runs counter to cherished American values.

Deportation

Deportation of undocumented immigrants remains a high priority in President Trump’s administration. Time Magazine observes that “the administration would have to grapple with how to pay for jail space to detain everyone and what to do with children caught crossing the border with their parents.”  The fear of deportation is a horrible reality that affects an estimated 11 million immigrants in America, many of whom have lived and worked here for decades. Historically, America has proudly accepted its identity as a “melting pot” which welcomes people of all races, religions, and ethnic backgrounds. Now, President Trump’s stance on border security and immigration is discouraging this founding American ideal.

Sanctuary Cities

Sanctuary cities are a little known  or understood aspect of the immigration crisis. These self-designated cities strive to protect resident undocumented immigrants  from deportation by not voluntarily reporting them to the federal government. It is daring for a city to identify itself as a sanctuary city due to the fact that it puts them at risk for retaliatory federal budget cuts. According to The Rolling Stone Magazine, Mayor Ed Lee of San Francisco asserted last year, “No matter the threats made by President-elect Trump, San Francisco will remain a Sanctuary City.” Despite the risk, these cities have continued to stay true to their values. The New York Times identified over 200 sanctuary cities in the country.  They have maintained their moral commitment to protect their residents from deportation. These cities stand up for what they believe is just, not just what federal law tells them to do.