As has been widely reported, Donald Trump–the Republican Party’s nominee for president in the United States–is currently seeking to build a wall on the border between Mexico and the United States. He claims that immigrants are coming into America as ‘criminals’, thus having a negative yet crucial impact on the American way of life. He strives to strengthen national security, and claims that this can only be accomplished by building a wall, spanning 1000 miles alongside the southern border, which could rise up to 50 feet tall, if not higher. He calls for this wall to extend across the entire 2000-mile southern border, but recently said that half that length could be sufficient because of natural barriers. In order to fulfill his purpose, Trump is forcing the people of Mexico to build this avowed border wall, warning that if his order is not fulfilled, there would be severe retaliation. When asked how he might force Mexico to build his wall against their will, Trump implied that the Americans have given the Mexicans ‘a fortune’.

For the past few decades, America and Mexico have been sharing their water supply, as billions of gallons flow between the two nations, funneling lifeblood to farms and communities on both sides of the border. By building a wall, this may impact the flow of waterways, thus diverting the water flow. It has been nearly 50 years since America and Mexico last signed a treaty which prevents any construction that obstructs and diverts the flow of water ways. In the last 15 years, tensions flared between these two nations when Texas accused Mexico of delivering insufficient supplies of water, costing their state economy nearly 5000 jobs and $400 million dollars each year. In defence, Mexico claims they did not have enough water because of drought, which American environmentalists have echoed. This issue was solved this year, when the United States, jointly with Mexico, said the water debt has been paid off. These two nations worked in harmony and Mexico continues to share its water supply with the United States, despite the tension.

Now Donald Trump is seeking to build a wall between these two nations. By claiming that his purpose will be accomplished no matter what circumstances, even if it meant war, he is resorting to force.

Just because a few immigrants have been prosecuted, does not make all immigrants criminals. While some immigrants have resorted to crime, most others have succeeded by being valuable workers, thus having contributed to the growth and success of the nation. The wrong actions caused by certain individuals should not have an impact on other individuals who have to society and obeyed the law. By claiming that all people, whether they are immigrants or not, are criminal, the doors of opportunity are never opened. By working in harmony with other nations, sharing between resources, there is no need for security, as peace between nations inspires growth. By compelling a nation to forcefully fulfill the will of another, that nation under threat would be inclined to feel threatened, thus preparing for war. War does not resolve any issues, neither is it a solution to solve humanity’s problems. By working in union with given nations, countries in the world can grow together, and can benefit from another, in positive ways.

There are criminals all over the world, whether immigrants or citizens. A certain race should not be judged because of a few individuals’ bad choices and mistakes. Stereotypes are what cloud the minds of people, causing them to falsely misjudge. In this world, a person should be judged upon their heart; not race, not background, not nationality, not religion. A beautiful nation will open their doors widely, for opportunities given to people for a chance of economy growth and success. When nations have come to an understanding of the importance of sharing without self greed, the world does not need to place foot upon the field of warfare, corrupting the peace within its soil. It is not good to profit from another’s misfortune; rather it is great to work in harmony with each other to economically grow, in peace, prosperity, and success. By putting aside self greed, the door of opportunity can be given to all.