One of the best things about America (or what was before this election) is that we are an inclusive nation that accepts anyone. America is a place where someone from any country should be able to come build a life for themselves. However, Donald Trump’s plan to build a 1,000-mile-long, 40-foot-high wall along the U.S.-Mexico border deteriorates this idea. The wall, more than anything else, is a detriment to our nation.

The wall is nothing more than a symbolic statement of racism. It shows that we will take drastic and unnecessary measures to prove a point and show our power. America is a nation built on immigrants who enrich our culture and diversify our communities. To build a wall does nothing but demonstrate a lack of acceptance and an unwillingness to compromise with neighboring countries.

This is not the only reason why building a wall is absurd. According to Senate Leader Mitch McConnell, the cost of the wall could range between $12-15 billion. It is unfair that the U.S. will spend this much money as Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto has denied several times that Mexico will pay for it.

If U.S. taxpayers front the cost, a CNBC study projects, it will cost the average household $120. Instead of wasting this money on miles of concrete, it could be very well used in other places like education, healthcare or medical research.

Our border is not perfect and there are immigrants coming into the country every day illegally. There is no reason to condone illegal immigration, and anyone who wishes to live in America should do so legally. However, we must not forget that there are already several measures in place along the existing border designed to prevent illegal immigration: walls, fences, border patrol officers and dogs, as well as gaps that can be filled and monitored by something other than a wall.

Finally, the wall will not stop illegal immigration. The problem is rooted in the national economic derailment and lack of resources experienced by Mexican citizens. No matter what physical obstacle is put into place, those wishing to enter the country illegally will still have the motivation to find other ways to cross the border.

To those who support the wall, I implore you to consider, for just a moment, what it feels like to risk your life just to move to another country. The vast majority of us will never live that reality.

So, instead of wasting $15 billion on a wall, let’s instead combat the problem logically by offering migrants resources to immigrate legally, improving our relationship with Mexico and closing existing gaps in the border with increased security.

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