Since taking office, President Donald Trump has begun fulfilling many of his campaign promises in only his third week. So far, he has signed an executive order stopping refugees from entering the United States, as well as banning many Muslims from gaining entry into the country. Donald Trump and his political views and choices are another issue and every citizen is entitled to their own opinion. But in recent news, Trump has been moving towards his idea of building a wall between the United States and Mexico. I believe this goes against everything the American Dream stands for.

America has essentially always been number one. We are the American Dream, we are the land of opportunity, the land of hope and prosperity. Immigrants constantly fight long and hard to gain access into our country in order to get a taste of the American dream. Many do it because they are refugees fleeing dangerous situations, fleeing in order to provide their families and children with opportunities that their country may not have to offer. As a country, America upholds Christian values. This is clearly expressed and seen in political issues such as abortion. We try and act as the saving grace for others and the lives of the born and the unborn. What is different now?

My mother is an immigrant and I don't know what life would be like if she was denied access to the United States. Here, my mom has gained higher education, thrived and achieved everything she has ever wanted. She's provided me with an excellent life and education, all within these borders.

As Americans, it is easy to say to build a wall and that is because we are within it. But, what if we were not? What if we were the ones looking from across the border at the lives our families so desperately crave, the lives we yearn for because we live in an area of despair. Don't say "I'll pray for them," when you can not even stretch out your hand to help them. In an effort to protect, we reject the millions of people who have done no wrong. I believe President Trump needs to sit down with his administration and evaluate other methods of securing our country in order to decrease acts of terrorism. But I will not support this wall.