Ep 7. Beyond the Wall

Beyond the Wall, the seventh episode of America ReFramed's sixth season, explores the human cost of the political debate around immigration through the eyes of a Mexican-American border town.

As immigration remains a hotly debated topic in America, and while footage of asylum-seekers and border clashes frequently flood our screens, Beyond the Wall takes a personal look at how a single policy can affect the lives of a town on either side of the US-Mexico Border. This intimate portrayal shows how a physical border fence, designed to halt the unauthorized crossings into the US, has spawned a thriving smuggling industry, dividing families and communities.

The show follows the residents of Lordsburg, New Mexico, a small town located just 42 miles from the US-Mexico border, where many residents are bilingual, with some being first and second-generation Mexican-Americans. The episode introduces us to individuals such as Melissa, a young mother whose father lives in Mexico across the border fence, and to Marc, a local pastor who works with migrants.

The border's role in Lordsburg has created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty, with many of the town’s residents living in a legal and economic limbo. The town has struggled economically, with businesses and agricultural industries facing labor and supply issues. Additionally, funds have been redirected from public schools to border patrols, leading to a shortfall of teachers and resources.

However, as Beyond the Wall demonstrates, in the face of these challenges, love, kindness, and understanding have filled the void. The show highlights the story of a former deputy sheriff, Mike, who, after retiring, started a shuttle service that transports immigrants to and from the border wall. Though his motives may have initially been solely financial, over time, he developed a deep empathy and compassion for the people he was helping.

Another character we encounter is Abraham, who helps run a migrant shelter with his wife but has struggled with his conscience regarding the morality of his work. Through his story, Beyond the Wall spotlights many of the gray areas governing immigration in America, illustrating how the issue is never cut and dry.

Beyond the Wall follows the lives of these various Lordsburg residents, presenting an intimate look at how immigration policies affect the lives of individuals, both at the border and beyond. The show also serves as an essential reminder of the importance of tolerance, compassion, and understanding when dealing with the complex realities of migration in America.

Overall, Beyond the Wall is a moving and informative episode that humanizes the immigration debate through the stories of those most affected by the policies created to address it. In doing so, the show offers an intimate and poignant perspective and serves as an important reminder of the power of empathy and understanding in political discussions.