There is plenty of work to be done at the border that does not include building a wall.

An Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll conducted shortly before the shutdown began finds that both Republicans and Democrats are far more likely to include immigration in their list of top issues facing the country this year compared with a year ago.

The year may be coming to an end but the battles on the immigration front promise to continue well into 2019 and beyond.

Many worried, however, that just like the government shutdown, periodic acts aimed against migrants would continue, and they urged politicians to put their differences aside to find lasting solutions to stem the flow and the danger posed to human beings who face the consequences of policy.

Felipe Alonzo Gomez of Guatemala is the second child identified as dying while under detention by U.S. border authorities in December.

Many people are asking: Do we need a border wall? While the Trump administration has said the wall is necessary to curb illegal immigration and drug trafficking, many faith leaders who live along the border see things differently.