Should the U.S. Build a Wall on Its Mexican Border?

Should the U.S. Build a Wall on Its Mexican Border?

China and Berlin have both had well-known walls. Now add the United States and Mexico to that list. In 2006 Congress passed the Secure Fence Act, which calls for construction of a double-fortified 700-mile fence between the U.S. and Mexico. But while construction sits in limbo until Congress irons out the details, Americans have remained embroiled over the wall’s alleged benefits and detriments. Much like the land that comprises the U.S. and Mexico, the experts are divided.

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  • “Yes”
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Center for Bio Diversity

This Boondoggle Is Neither "Simple" Nor a "Fix"

The Center for Biological Diversity

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Interesting that Mr. Cerda does not mention why the number of undocumented immigrants in the U.S. has grown so much lately. Millions have stayed in recent years as a direct result of the increased dangers of crossing back and forth, rather than working for a while, making some money, and returning to their homes as they did in years past. Their permanent presence here then creates a multiplier effect, as family members venture north to join them, rather than awaiting their return in Mexico. Clearly the border fence does not stop people from coming, but the federal government's one-dimensional interdiction policy does discourage them from returning home. Even the Border Patrol has admitted that the deterrent effect of the fence amounts to a grand total of five minutes' delay in the journey north. And far from being "simple", this multi-billion-dollar boondoggle brings with it the destruction of fragile landscapes, the waving of all U.S. laws, huge unplanned maintenance costs, and a major threat to the livelihoods of many border residents. Indeed, it is no more difficult or time-consuming to argue against the border fence than it is to climb over it.

Evidence

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"On the Border"--San Francisco Chronicle
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