Of the 300 miles of the fence built between the American and Mexican border, No Man's Land is the most secure. That's how the 75 yard sandy corridor—covered with lights, cameras and radars— cutting through San Luis is called. There, it’s easier for unauthorized migrants to be chased down by border agents.
The Secure Fence Act crated in 2006, stated that the wall was created for the prevention of all unlawful U.S. entries, including entries by terrorists, other unlawful aliens, instruments of terrorism, narcotics, and other contraband. Like using the words aliens, terrorism and contraband weren’t enough, it was disheartening to know that both presidential nominees, Obama and McCain voted in favor of the building of this fence.
Illegal immigration is not a new issue for the U.S., especially illegal immigrants coming from the U.S.’s south border.
8.9 million of the total 11.8 million unauthorized immigrants living in the United States in 2007 were from the North America region, including Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America. Still, the views on the creation of the border fence are as varied as they are confrontational.
Those who want it, say that Illegal immigrants take almost three times as much in social services as they have to pay in state and federal taxes (for those who pay taxes). Just in 2006, $81.3 billions were spent in unpaid taxed wages paid to illegal immigrants.
Those who don’t want it say that all Social Security Administration projects rely heavily on billions in annual contributions from undocumented immigrant workers.
The building of the wall has even created problems in Congress. Michael Chertof, the Secretary of Homeland Security, suspended more than 30 laws in order to construct the wall. Some of them are laws protecting the environment, endangered species, farms and religious freedom.
Both McCain and Obama have very similar immigration reforms. McCain was at first supported by immigrants because of his support of NAFTA, but after being criticized by his fellow Republicans, has been flip-flopping on the issue ever since. Obama, also harshly criticized on his decision to give driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants has not backed out since, making a much more solid stand.
Both candidates voted for the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act of 2007, which gives states the permission to give illegal immigrants in-state tuition for higher education. Also, both voted yes on the "Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act" of 2006, which creates a guest worker program. Even though their immigration reforms are similar, they have both said the other doesn't have the true interest of immigrants at heart.
Towns located at the border, on both sides, have complained about not being well informed about how, when and where they are building the wall. Others feel it’s unfair and an abuse of private property to build a wall along their terrains. Even so, the government stands by the fence, even suing landowners who refuse to sell their properties!
I think what we should ask ourselves is, who is this wall keeping out?
To me, and probably millions of others, it just feels like my neighbor just built a big tall wall. And that's not very polite.
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6 comments:
I'm used to reading the same kinds of articles about opposing views on the issue of immigration. I liked this article because it commented on both candidate's views on the issues at hand. If was different from many blog in that it had an opinion, but still was not one sided in terms of the presidential candidates. It showed the pros and cons of both.
I like how the post ended with it being rude to put up a fence in trying to keep out a neighbor, but the neighbor could be taking some tomatoes from your yard. In the case with illegal immigrants, some of these immigrants are taking away opportunities for some Americans to get jobs (taking their tomatoes). I am definitely interested in more information from the two candidates and how they really feel about the issue.
It reminds me of the Great Wall in China. The empepror built in to protect his area from being invaded. This is exactly the same issue as illegal immigrants to US. I have a question though, do you feel it's fair for those legal immigrants who made great effort to immigrate to US?
That's an interesting question Margaret. No, it's definitely not fair, actually I'm one of those persons who went through a great load of trouble to get here legally (tons of paperwork).
And I'm not at any moment supporting illegal immigration, what I am supporting is finding new, better and more conscious ways to deal with illegal immigrants.
I am also in favor of legal immigration and do not condone illegal immigration. That being said, I think our laws on immigration could use a major overhaul. I think part of the reason why people are here illegally is because some of the laws don't make sense. I also agree with Petra that the way we deal with those who are here illegally needs to be addressed. In many cases I think we do not treat illegal immigrants with the dignity and respect they deserve. All over this great country, many communities rely on the illegal immigrant workforce in many different capacities. Again, I'm all for legal immigration, but there is much room for improvement on how we work to prevent illegal immigration.
I agree energy4tomorrow, basically, illegal immigrants take the jobs Americans don't want to take, and end up helping the economy. Although of course it has negative repercussions as well... In order for this to be settled, a set of logical and beneficial (to both sides!) laws need to be implanted soon!
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