Imagine having a big dream, a bold plan for a new future in a new city. You go all in, you go through the long visa process, pay your fees, get your shots, buy your tickets.
You sell your home and your car, pack up all your belongings and ship them ahead. You quit your job, say goodbye to your friends and family, and head to the airport.
You check your bags, board your plane, get your snacks and watch a movie. Maybe catch a nap and dream of things to come. You arrive at your midway point, and go to change planes for the last leg of your journey.
Suddenly you're pulled out of line, asked to show your papers. You're handcuffed, and taken to a detention area. Your papers and identification are taken, as is your phone. You're asked about your travels, your allegiances and opinions. Officials ask you to surrender your visa, your green card, your permissions, and promise to let you return to your place of departure without further trouble.
But your place of departure is a void. You just severed every tie, closed every door. Your entire future lies ahead on that plane, and you're being sent back, where? Home? You sold your home.
Your dream shattered, your plans in ruin, every penny spent to get you this far, only to be told it's all in vain. Your future opportunity won't wait for you, your past opportunities are gone.
Are you now friend or foe of this country who invited you in and then slammed the door? Do your ears perk up a bit when you hear plans to do her harm?
This is happening right now, today, in airports around the world. I write this after hearing Press Secretary Spicer tell me that this makes America safer. I vehemently disagree.
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