The Mexican Wall: Why it Won't Work

The House voted 283-138 and the Senate, 80-19. Thus, the 700 mile fence will be erected in an effort to secure our nation's border. Given the clear majority in both chambers, I believe it actually reflected what the American people want. That is the way it's supposed to work, and it should be acknowledged because it doesn't always seem to work out that way.

Which is why it pains me to say that I don't think it will work. I understand the logic behind it. The spigot that illegal immigration has become needs to be shut off in some way, and this seems to send the message that some commitment is being made towards that end. I also understand the sentiment, which is mostly frustration at a very high level on the part of the American public that nobody has stepped up to the plate regarding a viable solution.

What, then, is the source of my doubts?

First, as a solution towards securing our nation's borders, it's mere window dressing. In fact, building a wall between us and Mexico is counter-intuitive. It will at least decrease the chances of criminals crossing the border, but it wouldn't affect the infiltration of terrorists. Even as we build a 700 mile fence across a 1500 mile border with Mexico, we still have more than 5500 miles of border with Canada. There can be no question that the fence, as a security measure, is miserably inadequate.

Second, there is a public relations disaster looming for the GOP if it is built. It isn't relations with Mexico that I'm talking about. Concerning the outrage displayed by the Mexican administration, I think they are better served by helping the U.S. stem the tide of illegal immigration. It is pathetic that they would encourage their citizens to cross the border without permission, and encourage remittances back to Mexico. Indeed, remittances from Mexican workers back to their country represents their second or third largest industry, while 40% of their population is living below the poverty line, according to a CIA estimate as of 2003. The problem is that, with the inevitable change in composition of Congress and the Executive branch that normally occurs, the Republican party is surely handing the Democrats a golden opportunity to gain a political advantage. They would be the ones to "undo" what the GOP did, portraying Republicans as builders of barriers, and positioning themselves as more compassionate. I have no doubt that the wall would be doomed soon after it would be built. Is it worth that risk to the GOP to erect a short term solution?

Third, enforcement of the rule of law was, and always will be, the principal tool through which the will of the American people will be actualized. Try to imagine the dynamics surrounding the typical illegal immigrant. On the one hand, their own government has shown it does not have the will to keep them at home, where they prefer to remain. They have strong family ties, which they break only because of the dire economic conditions their own government has created. On the other hand, our government declares illegal immigration a crime, and illegals criminals, as do the majority of the people. Yet, 11 to 12 million of them stand to be granted amnesty and receive government benefits. The flow clearly has been facilitated by our policy to refuse enforcement, especially at the state and local levels.

The lesson of IRCA in 1986 has not been learned. Then, the legislation was touted as the answer to stopping the flow of illegal immigration. Obviously, it proved to be an illusory goal. The problem is many times worse, and the American people are angry. We must reverse the flow by first pressuring the Mexican administration to proactively take steps to advocate staying home, through public relations campaigns and legislative measures. The threat of economic sanctions must be firmly adhered to. Second, we must enforce laws here, and not cater to special interests, who have seemingly built their own "wall" between ourselves and our representatives. Only then will the flow slow, then reverse. Free trade does not include free pillage of our resources and good will. Does anyone know an American taxpayer who beams with pride at the IRS and the Welfare system? The illegals do, and with good reason.