National Security through Border Wall Construction

As a naturalized United States citizen, I find myself among the many Americans who support President Donald Trump's proposal for the construction of a wall along the US-Mexico border. This topic has sparked significant debate, yet I firmly believe that a border wall is necessary for several critical reasons. Primarily, it would serve to reduce unauthorized access to the United States, inhibit drug smuggling, and thwart potential terrorist threats from entering the country surreptitiously. A well-constructed border wall, complemented by modern technology, would enable the United States Border Patrol to enhance its enforcement capabilities effectively.

This essay will explore these points in detail, emphasizing the need for a structured approach to border security.

Reasons for the Border Wall

A 2010 Rasmussen phone survey revealed that approximately 59 percent of United States citizens supported the idea of a border wall to control immigration. This level of support underscores the perceived necessity of such a measure in addressing unauthorized immigration. Although some voters initially opposed the wall's construction, their views shifted following the tragic murders of American Consulate employees in Juarez, Mexico. This event highlighted the urgent need to combat drug trafficking, which many Americans now see as a higher priority than merely addressing unauthorized entry.

The data from Operation Gatekeeper in the nearly fully fenced San Diego area provides compelling evidence of the wall's potential effectiveness. Border fencing in this region has led to a significant increase in the apprehension of unauthorized individuals. However, the US Border Patrol views the wall not as a standalone solution but as an enhancement to their mission of apprehending those attempting to enter the United States illegally. By concentrating on targeted enforcement, the border wall allows law enforcement agencies to do more with less, maximizing their resources.

Economic and Safety Considerations

Critics often argue that a border wall would hinder trade and tourism, yet a fully fenced border would still accommodate numerous openings or ports of entry for vehicles, trucks, and railroads, promoting legitimate trade, travel, and border tourism. The mere sight of the border fence acts as a significant deterrent to individuals and small groups attempting unauthorized crossings. Additionally, there is a proposal to charge a nominal fee for border crossing, which could help finance the wall's construction and gradually reimburse its costs over time. Although President Trump's suggestion of having Mexico pay for the wall was met with resistance and ultimately dismissed, innovative funding mechanisms remain viable options.

One positive impact of the Tijuana-San Diego wall was the increase in land values on the U.S. side of the border within 14 miles of the fence. Supporters of wall construction argue that it would contribute to making national parks like the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Indian reservations such as the Tohono O’odham Nation in southern Arizona, and ranches safer places. Patrick Buchanan, an American politician and commentator, suggested that the wall might be perceived positively by Mexican border residents due to the rising crime risk in border-crossing zones like the Tijuana-San Diego corridor. Before the construction of a 14-mile fence in this area, border bandits and gangs committed heinous crimes, including rape, robbery, and even homicide.

Addressing Crime and Corruption

Border homicides, which previously occurred at a rate of 10 per year, are expected to decrease with the installation of the wall. The deterrence provided by the wall reduces the opportunities for further exploitation through unauthorized entry. Mexico faces a high level of corruption, partly due to the low salaries of government employees. The Mexican police and military stationed on the U.S.-Mexico border have been accused of rape, robbery, and physical assault on unauthorized individuals crossing through Mexico from Central and South America. Tragically, women have been subjected to sexual assault, and unauthorized migrants have reportedly been beaten to death. Recent corruption concerns involve bribery and intimidation of Mexican and even American law enforcement and government officials by drug trafficking organizations.

An often-overlooked human rights issue is that constructing a wall in remote desert or mountainous border regions could prevent deaths due to dehydration, heat exhaustion, cold exposure, starvation, and injury among hundreds of unauthorized individuals. Moreover, it would mitigate the accumulation of trash left by these individuals in sensitive ecological zones. Ranchers and other property owners would no longer face the threat of trespassing on their lands. The more the border is fenced, the more unauthorized entrants are funneled into specific areas, making land enforcement more efficient. However, this approach will only succeed if the land border is almost entirely fenced. Estimates suggest that building the wall will cost between $1.2 and $1.5 billion, with millions required annually for maintenance. The Pentagon's approval of 4,000 National Guard troops to stand duty at the US borders is a commendable idea, as it will provide significant support to the Border Patrol while saving costs.

National Security and Conclusion

Ultimately, the government's motivation for wall construction may not solely originate from the war on terror. Border security has been an integral part of the war on drugs since the tight control of the Florida coastal drug smuggling corridor resulted in the displacement of drug trafficking to the U.S.-Mexico border. Therefore, the wall construction is viewed as a national security issue linked primarily to drug control, although it is also represented as an effort to manage immigration and terrorism.

In conclusion, I firmly believe that a wall separating the United States and Mexico is essential. Despite opposition from some quarters, such a barrier is projected to save lives, reduce the financial burden associated with illegal immigration, and enhance our nation's safety. While numerous opportunities are available in America, it is imperative that anyone seeking to experience them enters the country legally, with a visa, and secures legal residence. The establishment of a border wall is a crucial step in safeguarding our nation's future while respecting the rule of law and maintaining security.

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