Merkel to Trump: Building walls no help with migration problems

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Saturday that putting up walls will not solve problems caused by immigration. Merkel made the comment in Mexico City at a panel discussion alongside Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto, in a bold snub against US President Donald Trump.

Trump’s election pledge to build a massive wall on the US border with Mexico to keep out illegal immigrants and drug traffickers has sparked anger throughout Mexico, plunging US-Mexican relations to their lowest point in years.

Merkel added that the key to solving immigration problems is to improve the living standards and opportunities for people living in afflicted areas.

“First, you must fight against the causes that motivate people to leave their homes, and building walls doesn’t help,” she said. “At least you have to try to create a new view that will improve the lives of people in their countries. You have to speak with the affected governments so they can give new perspectives to their youth.”

(CGTN)