The Border Patrol State

"The Border Patrol State," a story written by Leslie Silko, brings to light many important issues revolving how the United States has decided to protect their borders. Personally, I believe the idea of having these border "checkpoints" is a good idea, but over the past few years the way that the agents go about their duties has become slightly ridiculous. Due to the increasing number of illegal immigrants, many agents have begun to categorize people who might be potential threats by their race. Silko gave the example of her friends half Chinese father. Since he kept missing the turn onto the correct highway, border patrol came and stopped him; they didn't want to check to see if he was lost, but to see if he was smuggling Chinese immigrants. Personally, I have had many experiences where I have come in contact with the patrol. My parents are both from Albuquerque and went to college in Los Cruces, so I have been on many road trips traveling through southwestern Texas and New Mexico. Being a five person, Caucasian family driving a Tahoe with a golden retriever, we were not ever put under any serious questioning, but I have seen the other side of the continuum. Those situations are just as she describes in the beginning of the article; it is almost as if the officers are looking for people to take away, specifically based on race. Overall, I completely agree with this article. The United States created this idea, from the country's creating, that it was one that had its values based on life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I believe that everyone has the right to experience that, but how can they if they are constantly being questioned and interrogated? Especially if they are American Citizens; well, I guess we will wait and see.