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Stricter Enforcement along Border Effective—Or is it Wishful Thinking?

exodus_265x164.gif "It's as if Mexico and the United States are at war," said one migrant who couldn't make it across for all the National Guardsmen stationed along the border. Border Patrol offices along popular pathways into the United States are reporting significant drops in the number of (failed) migrations, according to the Los Angeles Times. In addition to more patrols, new strategies include jailing everyone, even first timers, for up to 2 weeks. Writing for Mother Jones, Vince Beiser argued that the so-called border fence would be a fiasco. Charles Bowden also rejects worker permits and an open border.

The Border Patrol says with the increased punishments and patrols, apprehensions are down by as much as two-thirds. But Bowden, who has spent his life reporting on the border (and shares some of his sun-baked wisdom in his MoJo piece), writes, "On the line, all numbers are fictions. The exportation of human beings by Mexico now reaches, officially, a half million souls a year. Or double that. Or triple that."

Seasonal declines notwithstanding, one of two facts will have to change before migrants stop coming: There are no jobs in Mexico. There are jobs for Mexicans in the United States. Even the optimistic Times piece acknowledges that. It quotes Wayne Cornelius, director of the Center for Comparative Immigration Studies at UC San Diego, who says "The modes of entry do change. Location of entries change. But the basic dynamics of the process don't change, because the economic factors and family ties that drive the movement haven't changed."






Comments

Well, it's about time we actually enforced security on the border. There is no excuse not to. I'm not anti-immigration or against Mexicans trying to feed their families. I support a rehaul on the whole system with the following components- tightening up on the border security, revising system for legal entry so that immigrants can still pursue job opportunities in the states with more protection under citizenship rather than an illegal status. Furthermore, this would force large corporations that take advantage of illegal workers by not paying minimum wages, health care, etc. to start treating the immigrant workers better. Also, the whole argument of "they come to do jobs Americans won't do" is soooo trite. I live in San Diego and see the reality everyday. No one mentions the tons of coke and other hard drugs coming across the border or all the thug gangstas running around. If you don't believe it then take your highly idealistic self to one of these crappy Mexican neighborhoods and see for yourself. Not saying all Mexi's are bad- not having border security does come with baggage.

Posted by: Freedumb Ain't Free on 03/21/07 at 3:33 PM  Respond

My big issue here is the fence. Mostly, I see this as an issue of relatively low importance, at least to me.

The fence is different because it will also stop wildlife migrations. With climate change already causing big changes in animal distribution and migration, we need to allow animals, especially rare ones like jaguars and ocelots to migrate freely. Anything they can do to survive habitat destruction and climate disruption should not be interfered with in any way.

Posted by: Misanthropic Scott on 03/22/07 at 4:44 AM  Respond

Now about that fence- I don't know if wildlife preservation is the best argument. Have you seen pictures of the desert where a lot of the Mexicans cross? It's completely littered with trash- absolutely destroyed! Water bottles, clothing, human waste and whatever other crap these people leave out there. I think the people sneaking in and trashing the wilderness so they can come clean toilets and pick fruit is unacceptable. It's unfortunate the wild life has to suffer. I'm pretty left on most issues but this is one area where I think the complacement approach of Democrats is not working- do nothing, grant amnesty, ignore the problem...

Posted by: Freedumb Ain't Free on 03/22/07 at 9:08 AM  Respond

Well, perhaps you're right. Having people sneaking across in this way may be a problem. Perhaps though, if we remember what made this country the great nation that it once was, we can find a solution. Perhaps the answer is engraved in large lettering on one of our most recognizable landmarks, a gift from France.

"Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to be free!"

But, you already addressed that in your prior post. So, we're mostly in agreement. I would still say though, that if your plans are implemented and legal immigration is increased, the fence is unnecessary and a bad idea. Jaguars and ocelots have begun self-reintroduction to this country from Mexico, despite the crap along the way. I'd like that to continue.

Posted by: Misanthropic Scott on 03/22/07 at 10:28 AM  Respond

Yes, it appears we are in agreement. Not sure how effective a huge fence would be but it would sure help. I guess ladders are easy to find in Mexico, or tunnels. I know that a lot of defense contractors are using surveillence and drones on the border, I suppose those tactics along with more border patrol would be more effective. Also, many communities are sick of immigration problems (strain on education system, health care- can't have less than 10 kids you know) are taking matters in their own hands by making it illegal to rent to illegals, etc. I support such measures to an extent, not to sound like a racist, I'm not.

Posted by: Freedumb Ain't Free on 03/22/07 at 1:01 PM  Respond

I dont thick the huge fench will work

Posted by: Frank on 03/23/07 at 10:17 AM  Respond

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