It may be a necessary thing, to complete a border wall.  But it will not resolve the nation’s opioid crisis.

In fact, the majority of illegal drugs are brought into this country through border crossings and other, legal ports of entry.  The Washington Post reported in January that “while 90 percent of the heroin sold in the United States comes from Mexico, virtually all of it comes through legal points of entry,” and quoted a U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency 2018 report.

The White House’s opioid website confirms: “Illicit opioids – including fentanyl – have flooded into our country through ports, shipments, and border crossings.”  (Emphasis added.)  

I join (S.C.) Attorney General Alan Wilson in supporting the president’s plan to expand legal immigration for high-skilled immigrants. The program should be expanded to lower-skilled positions as well, and be designed with safeguards for qualified, capable, American citizen applicants.

To stem the tide of migration from Central America, any “wall” can do only so much. 

Here’s a bold idea: The United States must design and implement a modern-day Marshall Plan. There is no other way to serve our interests.

A Central American aid and development plan would help prevent another economic and political catastrophe such as present-day Venezuela, and eradicate widespread gang control in Honduras and El Salvador. In short, it would give Central Americans an incentive to stay home, work, and live better, safer, more productive lives. And expand US markets.

Don’t believe it? Watch China as it is creating a “belt and road” infrastructure for future trade with developing countries in Asia and Africa.

Latin America could be next. It would be a cheap investment, and an unwelcome one from our point of view.

Allen C. Ladd

Greenville

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