President Donald Trump participates in a tour of U.S.-Mexico border wall prototypes in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)
President Donald Trump just gave his second State of the Union speech, which included a forceful call for a new wall along the nation’s southern border with Mexico. The country just faced the longest government shutdown in the history of the United States because of the President’s dispute with Congress over funding for the wall.
The Northwood School community, like America, is divided over President Trump’s plan. Many students support the idea of border security and a border wall, but there isn’t much love for Mr. Trump’s strategy to achieve his vision. Owen Pierce ‘21 asked students their opinion. Here’s a collection of student voices on the topic:
“I think [the wall] is outlandish, but it does bring up the question of border security.”
– Noah Pittman ‘21 (New York)
“Securing the border is important, but the way Trump is doing it is not effective.”
– Olivia Paul ‘21 (New York)
“It’s not necessarily a bad idea, but the issue lies with the lack of funding and government support.”
– Peter Tcheleshev ‘21 (Connecticut)
“It’s the U.S.’s fault that they are in this situation, so instead of trying to fix the problem with the border they should first try to fix the problems in their own government.”
– Rintaro Akasaka ‘20 (Japan)
“40% of immigrants fly in on planes, and most don’t cross the border, so the wall is pointless.”
– Charlie Purcell ‘21 (New York)
“I think it’s unnecessary to shut down the government, although the idea behind the wall and border safety is a good one.”
– Cisco Delliquadri ‘20 (New York)
“Honestly the wall is unnecessary. Most immigrants are just coming to seek asylum.”
– Morgan Broderick ‘19 (New York)
“I think it’s nonsense because there are many other ways immigrants can come into the States. A wall isn’t going to prevent them. Plus, Mexicans aren’t the only immigrants.”
– Fran Castillo ’19 (Dominican Republic)
“The reason behind immigrants bringing guns, drugs, and ammunition into the country is Americans demand for them. Before fixing the border problem we have to fix the problem with our citizens.”
– Kyle Bavis (Ohio)
“I believe Trump is incongruent in his statements. His ambitions are too far off from what the U.S. represents as a nation.”
– Mateo Rodriguez (Mexico)
