If I were one of these desperate families in Central America

[Desert grandma]

I would no longer consider the US as a safe haven. I would head to Costa Rica or Panama, both of which are closer and are Spanish speaking. Costa Rica in particular, has one of the highest literacy rates in the Americas and they have a better economy because they spend no money on a military force. They spend their money on their people for the most part, and I believe they both have asylum procedures. They are also very environmentally conscious.

[lunatica]

1. In what way would they be safer from simply being followed by the gangs?

All these families would rather be able to stay home first. If they felt safer going to Costa Rica or Panama why make a thousand mile trek full of the most god awful hazards that are life threatening in themselves?

Imagine yourself walking a thousand miles to a place where you have no idea what reception you will get or whether you might even make the journey to the end except that they promised you a safe haven. Then imagine taking children with you on that trip because to stay means they will die.

And then imagine your children being taken away when you arrive, by the one country that has promised you asylum from the very thing you’re running from.

They’re not even safe from the cartels at the border in Mexico. It seems Mexico should be offering some kind of protection, but I have yet to see anyone even mention it. Perhaps Costa Rica and Panama aren’t offering help either.

[AlexSFCA]

2. as I wrote in a different post

As a parent, If I imagine myself running away with my child from certain death due to violence, the most important for me would be to do what I can to give a chance, a shot at life to my child. Even if it means separation. I am not certain this will be an effective deterrent if refugees find out that kids are adopted by nice homes in the US. We are talking about life and death not just better life. Furthermore, they are like us still trying to beleive in America and hope that times will change.
And I doubt anyone consider US a safe heaven, it is a safer.

[Tatiana]

3. We have to understand the reason why these people will continue to come.

The face a certain death if they stay. The entire immediate family of one of my students was executed over a 3 day period. He's only 10 years old and clearly has PTSD. There is a reason they are making the treacherous trek through Mexico to get here. At least here, there is some hope of staying alive. Even if it's in a cage. Even if you are raped by multiple individuals. Even if you have to work like a slave in a restaurant and live in a shack with 20 other families.

That's preferable than death.

That's why they come and why they will continue to come, despite our horrendous treatment.

And damn the people who look at these women and children fleeing violence and call them an "infestation." May they rot in hell.

[Flaleftist]

4. The recent events are unfortunate.

We will kick Trump's fascist ass out soon enough and chase his racist supporters back under the rocks from which they came.

[MichMan]

5. Why not seek asylum in Mexico ? n/t