Immigration Issues: The U.S./Mexican Border Fence Debate

by Angel Martin

Much has recently been made of the Mexican/U.S. border fence prospect. Due to mounting concerns over national security, the demand for a more secure border has become a central issue in the debate on controlling illegal border crossing. With the passing of the Secure Fence Act in 2006, which authorizes and partially funds the possibility of 700 miles worth of barrier construction along the border, it became apparent that support for the plan was not limited to the most anti-immigration members of government. Although the bill was passed with relative ease in congress, there is no shortage of opposition against the concept of a physical barrier separating Mexico from the United States. There are compelling arguments on both sides of the issue, and this article will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the barrier strategy.
Primary Pro-Fence Rationalizations:

1) First and foremost, increased prevention of contraband trafficking: There are relatively few who would argue against the fact that large numbers of criminals depend on the relatively porous sections of the Mexican border to traffic profitable contraband. According to the Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, as much as 90 percent of the cocaine sold in the US in 2004 was smuggled through Mexican territory. If one can easily transport illicit drugs across the U.S./Mexican border, what stops the transport of dangerous weapons, possibly weapons of mass destruction, from entering the U.S. the same way? It would be impossible to place enough border patrol stations along the unprotected sections of the border to end any and all illegal crossings and contraband transport, and with the risk of terrorist activity threatening the U.S. it would seem that we could not afford to allow even one individual to cross illegally. A physical barrier such as the double or triple, barbed-wire fence proposed would undoubtedly make entry more difficult for an unburdened individual and even more difficult for an individual transporting contraband.

2) It would limit the numbers of illegal immigrants crossing to live and work in the U.S.: While the debate over the exact effects of undocumented workers living and working in the U.S. are hotly debated, most will acknowledge that at least some of the effects are indeed negative, particularly when it comes to the economy.. The Center for Immigration Studies estimated that illegal immigration costs the government roughly $10 billion each year in deficit, the bulk of expenditures relating to public education, medical treatment for the uninsured, the federal prison system, and food assistance programs. While the amount of illegal aliens already living in the U.S. is dramatic, reducing the steady flow of new illegals would help to ease the burden created by those already present.

Primary Anti-Fence Rationalizations:

1) The effectiveness of a physical barrier may not justify the cost: While the Secure Borders act placed the cost for the fence at around $2 billion many skeptics argue that this figure severely underestimates the difficulties faced by such a massive construction effort through at times treacherous terrain. Critics point out that the construction of a much smaller fence separating San Diego and Tijuana, which by 2006 had already cost $74 million dollars. Many urge that a "virtual fence" solution would be more effective and more affordable while minimizing impacts on property and wildlife.

2) The fence would have a disastrous effect on wildlife: While the U.S./Mexican border has significance for the human population, area wildlife has never paid any attention to it. The Environmental Protection Agency fought the plan to fence off 700 miles of border territory, arguing that it would virtually annihilate wildlife corridors and migratory routes, but lost due to Homeland Security's exemption from federal laws such as the Environmental Protection Act when matters of national security are concerned. Many species, including the rare and endangered jaguar, depend on their ability to travel vast distances in search of mates and food. Additionally, in certain areas the fence would cut off access to the Rio Grande, the only source of fresh water for animals in the vicinity.

As of today, the planned 700 mile border fence is far from being completed. The battle will continue to rage over the best approach to solving the problem of illegal immigration via the Mexican border, but the ultimate solution will likely consist of high tech and low tech components. In a post-9/11 America, border security and immigration will remain at the center of political discourse. Immigration has always been an essential characteristic to the identity of the United States, and regardless of temporary waves of panic and the resulting security implementations, it is likely to remain as that way.

About the Author
For additional information on immigration issues, visit http://www.manchanda-law.com to set up your FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION with one of the nation's top immigration attorneys, Rahul Manchanda. Manchanda Law Offices PLLC 80 Wall Street, Suite 705 New York, NY 10005 phone: (212)968-8600