This morning we are going to look at how destabilization throws a country into economic hardship for centuries. Most civilizations are started with basic needs which are normally the resources that help to make up the foundation for supporting the occupants around the area. These needs include food, governing body, workforce, and in most cases religion. We’ve seen throughout history how the absence of one can soon throw another area into the turmoil. It’s like a car, you can’t drive it without the alternator.

Let’s take Africa for example, during slavery a vast number of young men and women were sold into slavery. The results of slavery created a large gap in potential workers, protectors, and skills for the continent. In the years that followed slavery, Africa would soon be thrown into numerous tribal wars, racist governments, genocides and famines crippling entire populations. One could say the absence of so many people set the country up for a near imminent downfall. It opened to door for crime.

The situation in Honduras reminds me of the African trade in many ways. People are no longer bringing people over on boats, but someone is helping to move these people from their country to America. The sad truth of it all, is that they are doing to their country, what was done to Africa many many years ago. By migrating to the United States or even Mexico they are helping to set their country up for a devastating blow that will be felt for generations to come.

If there’s crime in those areas, it is because the very people who were able to defend it, went away. Slave traders didn’t pull up on the shores and take them from their families, they went willingly. Many of us have our different reasons for feeling the way we feel about immigration, but I think it helps to chip away at the very essence of a country. I’ve always felt a ping of sadness when it comes to not knowing anything about my ancestors. I’m a little jealous when people mention that they were able to go visit areas that were once owned by their ancestors. To think of someone willingly giving up who they are, reminds me of what many of us African Americans, never had. We never had a choice. So here we are today. I’m proud to be American, but I also know what my ancestors gave up. I know their struggle was real and given a choice, they would have made their way back to Africa.

So, when you think about immigration, think about the country and remember the lesson of Africa. What takes the place and how does that entity set the course for the nation? Are we helping to destabilize an area for selfish reasons, such as the quest for cheap labor?