Dear Editor,
It has come to my attention that the Green Mountain state has become greatly incognizant of the issues of the U.S./Mexico border wall in regard to its environmental instability. Our local newspapers have failed to recognize the immense issues of the border wall even though they coincide with the ideals and values of Vermonters alike. I ask that Vermonters confront President Biden and ask for the redistribution of funds away from the construction of the border wall.
Although in Vermont we share a peaceful border with Canada, there are border issues that should be of concern for Vermonters that are rarely publicized. Environmental destruction is prominent on the U.S./Mexico border and as an eco-friendly state it should be our great concern.
Trump’s border wall has constructed a physical barrier for migrants attempting to cross but has also blockaded an entire ecosystem. From the Mexican gray wolf to the revered indigenous jaguar, animals are losing their habitat due to the construction of the border wall and are unable to reach their families across the border. As citizens of the Green Mountain State who take great pride in our equitable relationship with Mother Nature, we must be cognizant of the border construction and environmental destruction down south.
Unfortunately, many of our federal environmental laws have been vetoed by the executive branch of our government, the Trump administration. However, Trump is not solely to blame. Former President Bush, Obama, and Trump all continued the construction of the wall. Although President Obama slowed it down, it was never halted.
The U.S. has taken its misconceived issues of migration and turned them into an environmental catastrophe. The DHS Secretary, John Kelly, waived all litigation of federal environmental laws. Until we can provide nonviolent migration rights for immigrants, the species we adore such as the gray wolf and the jaguar will soon be extinct. Please, join me in protecting these magnificent animals and reach out to our state legislatures to help a national catastrophe.
Morgan Emanuele
Hartland, and student at Skidmore College
