Bridges Not Borders

Immigration is a part of the human experience. We immigrated from our ancient home in Africa, or "The Cradle of Life", and walked across continents sometimes settling in some places, and other times walking to other distant lands in hopes of finding better opportunities. Immigration is an integral part of human history, our story is shaped by diasporas and displacements. I believe everyone has the right to find a better life and move around the globe. National borders are only a recent development, before the 1800s, the concept of nationalism did not even exist. People did not even believe that they were living in countries, most people had a kinship only to their community, and people moved around freely. Nationalism only emerged in the 1800s as governments created flags, standardized language, and promoted the unity in a country. Even though nationalism united many people, it also isolated them form their neighbors by creating an "us vs. them" narrative. Eventually, it lead to the creation of modern countries and the modern political borders. In the end these borders aren't even real. Some borders encompass conflicting groups, other borders separate families. So when we are considering the Syrian refugee crisis, I believe that its their fundamental right to find safety and seek a better life. If countries get organized they will be able to help these people, which are at the most vulnerable right now. If everyone has compassion, and if everyone does their part, we can easily accomodate the influx of migrants. We should stop with the xenophobic narrative, and make bridges not borders!