The ebb and flow of humanity across national borders is leaving governments around the world pondering about how to deal with refugees.
The latest flashpoint is the border between Guatemala and Mexico, where a caravan of hundreds of Hondurans is poised to cross on their weary way to the USA.
But American President Donald Trump has made clear that they are not welcome and that he may call in soldiers to stop them marching into the States.
The caravan is a peaceful mix of families seemingly without criminal or political intent simply seeking a better life.
The scenario is regularly repeated in Turkey and Europe where migrants from war-torn Syria and repressed Afghanistan follow a refugee trail hoping for a home and job in the wealthy European Union bloc.
Barricades are no solution
The question is what can governments do to stem the flow of these thousands of ordinary people?
Calling in troops and setting up barricades is just a temporary solution.
Trump’s infamous wall is yet to materialise and is unlikely to stop the refugees.
Meanwhile, public opinion in the US and Europe is against taking in more migrants who need homes, jobs and education which all costs money.
Governments are willing to skim off the wealthy and better-educated who they feel can contribute to their societies, but slam the door shut on the ordinary refugees.
Assault on the USA
“The assault on our country at our southern border, including the criminal elements and drugs pouring in, is far more important to me, as president, than trade. Hopefully Mexico will stop this onslaught at their northern border. All Democrats fault for weak laws!” tweeted Trump.
“In addition to stopping all payments to these countries, which seem to have almost no control over their population, I must, in the strongest of terms, ask Mexico to stop this onslaught – and if unable to do so I will call up the US military and close our southern border!”
To halt the march of Hondurans, Mexico has sent hundreds of police to guard the southern border.
The refugees say they are fleeing violence and poverty.
Trump may posture and rant, but until his government and others around the world come up with a solution, refugees will continue to flood the West.
>