15: The Border Patrol State

            Ms. Silko’s essay “Border Patrol State” sheds light on a group of people that is often overlooked in today’s immigration debate. As residents of Texas, we hear a lot about Mexican immigration and its effect on the state, but Ms. Silko’s emphasis on Native Americans and border patrol in the southern United States was really interesting. 

            After reading the accounts of her own personal experiences and the experiences of others, I felt frustrated, as she did, that border patrol officers in service of the United States would mistreat her and others in such a way. I agree that when it comes to immigration, racial and gender profiling occurs more often than not. However, just because someone is of a certain ethnic, cultural, or financial background does not and should not make them a target of such profiling. Silko explained that she and her friend Gus were order to “Step out of the car” and were not allowed to ask any questions or verbally defend themselves. They were simply a target because they were of Native American descent.

            On the other hand, I disagree with Silko’s statement, “It is no use; borders haven't worked, and they won't work, not now, as the indigenous people of the Americas reassert their kinship and solidarity with one another.” In other countries around the world, borders do work. For many reasons the United States immigration policies and practices are not working, and although I certainly don’t have all of the answers, illegal immigration is a problem that is affecting our country. Before moving to Fort Worth, I lived in San Antonio for 18 years, where many of the residents are Mexican or have families from Mexico. In addition to those legally living in San Antonio, the city has had a huge problem with illegal immigrants living in the city, living off of welfare and sending their children to San Antonio’s public schools, which are supported financially by taxpayers. I understand that for many immigrants, America is seen as a land of opportunity and a place to better themselves and their families, but the United States cannot simply just let everyone who comes into the country illegally continue to stay and live off of those who came to this country legally.  For this reason, among many others, borders need to work, and reform needs to take place in the United States immigration procedures. However, supported by Ms. Silko’s accounts, I feel that reform in the area of border patrol and immigration officers is needed as well, so that experiences like hers will be prevented.