The Power of Organization

The Power of Organization

I don’t think that the estimated eleven or twelve million undocumented Mexicans living within the U.S. realize how much power that they have and could have if they organized as a group.  The same holds true for those in Mexico who have been persecuted from the violence of the U.S./Mexican drug war.  

Forty thousand drug war deaths in Mexico have created the conditions by which there is at least some recent U.S. immigration court recognition that Mexicans fleeing narco violence are eligible for US asylum. 

If Mexicans on both sides of the border acted en masse and in unison and peacefully applied for asylum, they would create (needless to say) quite a stir.  They make world wide headlines.  US immigration asylum processing, detention, and court systems would be in chaos. 

These undocumented in effect could force Washington’s hand on immigration reform and on the war on drugs.   Washington would have to act, especially when the idea really catches on.

Is this risky for the undocumented?  Yes, very risky.    There are substantial costs involved in hiring immigration attorneys and posting immigration bonds.  They would have to “come out of the shadows” and put themselves and their families in a position to be formally deported.

Are there possible positive outcomes for the undocumented in taking this risk?   Yes.  They may be granted work authorization while their asylum cases are pending.  Washington may have to compromise because of the tremendous amounts of money and time involved in handling all of these cases.   Washington may even see this as an opportunity to humanly and successfully deal with the eleven or twelve million undocumented living within the US. 

Ultimately U.S. immigration courts may rule in the undocumented’s’ favor.  The undocumented and their families may be allowed to live in the U.S. as lawfully admitted permanent residents.   

The war on drugs could end.  The U.S. and Mexican governments may be forced to create immigration and drug policies that actually work for the benefits of both countries’ citizens.