An estimated 65 million plus people are refugees today, according to United Nations figures. The numbers are the greatest since the aftermath of World War II.

The United States is impacted by refugees knocking against its own southern borders, fleeing violence in Mexico and Central America. We have a particular responsibility toward these refugees since our past support of brutal regimes in Central American countries contributed to the violence.

Some U.S. embassies in Central American countries attempt programs to help youth in their own nations, such as job training centers. However, considering our past actions in those countries, our efforts are not nearly enough. If we wish to prevent an overwhelming number of refugees from sometimes dangerous journeys north, we must do more to give them hope in their home countries.

Talk of solving our problems with “a wall” is a copout, a “fix” which ignores our responsibility for much of the exodus north.