we can do better (and we must)

I am currently reading Solito, a memoir by author and poet Javier Zamora, about his migration from El Salvador to the United States. His parents fled El Salvador when he was young child as a result of the civil war, leaving him in the care of his grandparents and aunt. Javier undertook his journey to rejoin his parents when he was nine years old. I can only imagine the level of desperation that drives people to risk everything on such a harrowing journey. As a former public educator, I have worked with immigrant children and families. I have heard their stories. Witnessed their challenges. I have been thoroughly impressed by their resolve. I was born in the United States. I have had nearly every advantage you can imagine. I have done very little to "earn" the opportunity to be a citizen. I have traveled to Haiti on numerous occasions and seen "real" poverty. I understand why someone would want more for themselves and their children. I am embarrassed by our country's current lack of…