Border Crossings

"Something there is that doesn't love a wall." - Robert Frost

Alberto arrived today, passing through customs at Dulles airport after 15 minutes of questioning. Apparently, love and family sparks suspicion at the border. I can imagine the conversation.

"What brings you to the U.S.?"
"I'm here for a personal visit and a farewell party."
"Who's farewell?"
"My wife's."
"Is your wife American?"
"Yes, she is."
"Where is she going?"
"She's moving to Mexico with me."
"Why?"
"Because I got a job there and we want to be together."
"Really?"
"Yes, really."
"How long are you staying in the U.S.?"
"Just the weekend."
"Just the weekend?"
"Yes, just the weekend."
"Are you sure you won't be staying any longer than the weekend?"
"I'm sure, I have to go to work on Monday."
"What do you do?"
"I'm an economist, I work at Bank of Tokyo."
"How long have you worked there?"
"Six months."
"How long did you say you'll be in the U.S.?"
"Just the weekend."
"Do you have any family here besides your wife?"
"No. My family is in Mexico."
"Are you planning on coming back soon?"
"I don't know, sometime I'm sure we'll come back and visit friends."
"When?"
"I don't know. Is there a problem?"
"No. No problem."

Some members of Congress now want to build a wall along the border. I suppose they think it would keep them safe from that "illegal immigrant invasion" Lou Dobbs is so riled up about. But walls don't make good neighbors, ask the Palestinians and Israelis, East and West Europeans, the Chinese and Mongolians. Something there is that doesn't love a wall. And all the walls and interrogations in the world won't stop love from crossing borders.