Today, United Way launches United for Humanity to tell the story of migration through human eyes. Currently, the conversation about migration is too petty and misleading. That’s why I encourage you to visit united4humanity.org, listen to the stories of migrants around the world and learn about their experiences.
Migration is one of life’s constants. It has been happening for centuries, but fueled by globalization, conflict and other factors, it’s one of the topics that define our time. This fact was underscored by the recent release of a United Nations report stating that the number of people forcibly displaced worldwide reached nearly 71 million people by the end of 2018, the highest figure since World War II and double the number from 20 years ago.
United Way has supported migrants or refugees in China, Europe, Canada, the United States and many other places where we work. But one of the most pressing issues right now is the migration crisis along the U.S.-Mexico border. It’s constantly discussed by politicians, journalists and families at kitchen tables. It’s the subject of tense conversations, to put it mildly.
As the son of immigrants, I’m frustrated by the narrow-minded and often misleading debate taking place in the United States. Many of us, or our earlier generations, come from somewhere else. However, too often, reports on migrants coming from Central America and other parts of the world through Mexico look at the issue from a strictly political, security or economic standpoint.
People should come first. Their wellbeing, their hopes and their dreams of a better life. If we’re going to fight for everyone, we must fight for them too. We must respond with head and heart.
However, to fully understand a problem, I believe it’s important to witness it firsthand. That’s why, earlier this year, I made two trips to the U.S.-Mexico border: one to San Diego and Tijuana and the other to El Paso and Juárez. Along with United Way staff and local leaders, I visited shelters, churches and health centers. Together, we met with religious figures, business leaders and dedicated volunteers and, of course, with many migrants and refugees.
United4Humanity.org includes videos from my most recent trip to the U.S.-Mexico border in April and videos and content that highlight our network’s current and past migration work. I want to present the facts on the ground, redefine the narrative around migration, and show this issue through humanitarian eyes. I have many thoughts on this topic, but one of my biggest conclusions is that migration is not a zero-sum game. There don’t have to be winners or losers. Migration provides an opportunity not only to build stronger communities for everyone, but also for our better angels to rise up and provide greater opportunities to our fellow human beings.
United Way will continue to support this issue. We will tell these stories and play an active role in shaping the narrative around migration at every level of our society. Migration is one of the biggest issues we face today, and it’s time to prioritize people.
Brian Gallagher
President & CEO of United Way Worldwide