By
Joseph Devine
The increasing problems with illegal immigration into the United
States have prompted a controversial plan: building a "Great Wall of
Mexico." This wall would theoretically deter thousands of would-be
immigrants, either from Mexico or immigrating by way of Mexico, from
entering the United States. CNN estimates that there are about 20
million illegal immigrants residing in the U.S. However, is a giant
fence really going to help solve this problem?
First of all, we have to determine why illegal immigration is such a detriment to society. If we are currently functioning with as many as 20 million aliens present in our country, why stop illegal immigration now? Some people argue that non-naturalized citizens compete with legal residents for jobs. In the current state of the economy, this can definitely be a big deal. Second, a large amount of tax dollars goes towards immigrants, either as health care or border patrol against immigration. After these, there are a number of other complaints such as increased crime, spread of disease, and possible terrorism, among others.
Currently in effect are multiple cameras and sensors along the Texas-Mexico border. Citizens can actually create accounts to participate in the Border Watch, monitoring the cameras online at their own computers. However, the program has been called unsuccessful and a waste of money. This is unsurprising considering that there is only one camera per about every 70 miles of the border.
With the problems of sneaking into the United States still rampant, legislators have looked to other methods to keep border-crossers out. In the Secure Fence Act, passed in September of 2006, the United States Congress voted to build a fence along the border with Mexico. The fence was proposed to be a double-layer, 700 mile-long monstrosity built in several sections from California to Texas. This wall was supposed to be finished by the end of 2008, but it has not yet been completed as of July 2009.
Perhaps the completion of the wall has stalled due to the high amount of opposition to building the fence. Mexican President Felipe Calderon has compared the U.S.-Mexico fence to the Berlin Wall. Chief among the American opposition is the city of Brownsville. The government has proposed to purchase private lands-some held in the same family for generations-in order to build the fence.
As for those concerned for the environment, the Great Wall of Mexico would cut through the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge. The land is home to 17 endangered or threatened species of organisms, as well as the only piece of American soil where some species can be seen.
Taking all this into account, there are definite pros and cons of building the Great Wall of Mexico. Illegal immigration is a hot topic, and we have yet to see how the fence will culminate in American history.
If you or someone you know needs more information on becoming a naturalized citizen, a good source of immigration lawyers can be found here.
First of all, we have to determine why illegal immigration is such a detriment to society. If we are currently functioning with as many as 20 million aliens present in our country, why stop illegal immigration now? Some people argue that non-naturalized citizens compete with legal residents for jobs. In the current state of the economy, this can definitely be a big deal. Second, a large amount of tax dollars goes towards immigrants, either as health care or border patrol against immigration. After these, there are a number of other complaints such as increased crime, spread of disease, and possible terrorism, among others.
Currently in effect are multiple cameras and sensors along the Texas-Mexico border. Citizens can actually create accounts to participate in the Border Watch, monitoring the cameras online at their own computers. However, the program has been called unsuccessful and a waste of money. This is unsurprising considering that there is only one camera per about every 70 miles of the border.
With the problems of sneaking into the United States still rampant, legislators have looked to other methods to keep border-crossers out. In the Secure Fence Act, passed in September of 2006, the United States Congress voted to build a fence along the border with Mexico. The fence was proposed to be a double-layer, 700 mile-long monstrosity built in several sections from California to Texas. This wall was supposed to be finished by the end of 2008, but it has not yet been completed as of July 2009.
Perhaps the completion of the wall has stalled due to the high amount of opposition to building the fence. Mexican President Felipe Calderon has compared the U.S.-Mexico fence to the Berlin Wall. Chief among the American opposition is the city of Brownsville. The government has proposed to purchase private lands-some held in the same family for generations-in order to build the fence.
As for those concerned for the environment, the Great Wall of Mexico would cut through the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge. The land is home to 17 endangered or threatened species of organisms, as well as the only piece of American soil where some species can be seen.
Taking all this into account, there are definite pros and cons of building the Great Wall of Mexico. Illegal immigration is a hot topic, and we have yet to see how the fence will culminate in American history.
If you or someone you know needs more information on becoming a naturalized citizen, a good source of immigration lawyers can be found here.
Joseph Devine
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Devine
0 Comment:
Post a Comment