Over the past three week I had the opportunity to show the documentary Border of Dreams on two college campuses in Northwest Iowa. The documentary tells the stories of two immigrants: Mardoqueo and Abel. Mardoqueo is a young husband and father from Guatemala who tried to come to the United States to find work, only to be deported after stopping to rest on the U.S. side of the border. Abel came to the U.S. in the 1990’s to provide a better life for his family. He ended up settling in Kansas City, Kansas with other members of his family. The film is directed by Guatemalan student Nataly Basterrechea and produced by Bethel University (St. Paul) student Soraya Keiser. It tells the stories of Abel and Mardoqueo and their families, comparing their experiences as they try to come to the United States.
Northwestern College and Dordt University are two rival Christian colleges a mere ten miles apart. The Northwest Iowa community around them is changing as immigrants and refugees from Central America and Ukraine settle in the area. The issue of immigration is complicated—Sioux County is one of the reddest (meaning Republican) counties in the United States. As the 2024 election cycle ramps up, advertisements focus on the Southern border and immigration as a wedge issue, often skewing facts and inciting fear. At the same time, locals recognize the importance of immigrants for the local economy. During a recent meeting of business leaders, I asked what would happen if for one day immigrants disappeared from NW Iowa. Their laughter spoke the truth: “We would shut down in 15 minutes,” one plan manager said.
Yonathan Moya, a panelist at both events, runs a ministry at the border called Border Perspective. He brings faith and business leaders on border to trips to show the reality behind the rhetoric. The majority of people coming to the Southern border want to come the “right way”, but they are seeking asylum from gangs and poverty, which means they are not deterred by messaging or militarization. They are willing to do whatever it takes for the safety of their families.
Following the documentary, students heard from classmates and community members who have made the journey. They heard stories of resilience and love, but also grief and guilt for having to cross “illegally”. During one discussion, the audience recognized one speaker as the son of a popular local mechanic. He took the opportunity to talk about the economic value for the community, the way money and taxes circulate through the businesses immigrants own, providing valuable resources for everyone.
What’s beautiful and difficult about these conversations is the opportunity they provide to problematize the discussion. The immigrants and refugees who come are diverse—many would rather stay in their home countries, and many would like to return one day. The film provides an opportunity to remind people that the solution to the Southern border is political, but it doesn’t have to be partisan. Congress controls immigration—we’re currently working from legislation passed in 1965. It’s time for congress to pass meaningful immigration reform that makes it easier for people to come the “right way”. For now, the time, money, and restrictions are prohibitive, encouraging people—who see no other choice— to break the law. Border security and immigration reform can happen at the same time. We have the ability to do it, what’s missing is the political will. Both republicans and democrats have dropped the ball; both want to keep immigration as a wedge issue for campaign slogans and voter turnout instead of taking the needed action that will make our communities stronger.
If you are interested in showing Border of Dreams at your church, college, or gathering, feel free to contact me and I will help get it organized. It’s about thirty minutes long, and it provides an excellent entry point into a conversation about the Southern border. If you know of anyone who might be interested, especially churches and colleges, please spread the word!
Happy Thanksgiving!