The Current State of Border Security: A Reality Check on Wall and Immigration

The divisive topic of border security has been a contentious issue for decades, with vocal proponents and critics often clashing on the effectiveness and feasibility of specific measures. The most prominent and controversial aspect of border security has been the wall, particularly the one proposed and partially constructed by former US President Donald Trump. While some herald its potential to curb illegal immigration and enhance national security, others argue it is a waste of resources that does not address the root causes of migration.

Truncated Efforts and Setbacks

The so-called wall has faced significant challenges from the outset. President Trump, inspired by the rhetoric of stopping the “invasion” and bolstered by a large base of supporters who believed in his promises, initiated the construction, only to face a halt of funds and a limited scope of work. According to reports, Trump’s administration spent illegally up to $200 million from the national emergency fund, yet only managed to build 52 feet of wall, an effort that has proven to be largely ineffective and fell apart soon after construction.

Subsequent administrations have taken a different approach, with Biden's proposed bill aimed at reinforcing about 500 miles of existing wall and adding another 200-300 miles of new wall approved by Congress. This shift represents a shift from the piecemeal approach of the Trump administration towards a more comprehensive strategy, albeit one that still leaves much to be desired.

Political and Economic Realities

There are several reasons why the wall project faces significant obstacles. One of the key issues is the notion that Mexico would hypothetically pay for the wall. In reality, the United States has no authority to demand payment from other countries, as President Trump's belief in an "all-powerful" US often contradicts the reality of international relations. The complexities of international politics and economics make such a scenario highly improbable, if not outright impossible.

Mexico, for instance, has consistently denied so-called "funding" for the wall. The idea was merely a political ploy to rally his support ahead of the 2016 election. Trump’s supporters, misled by such rhetoric, found themselves on the wrong end of a devastating storm when they realized their cherished plans were nothing more than empty promises.

Historical Context and Misallocation of Resources

In examining the wall, it is crucial to consider its historical context. Much of the wall is actually an extension of the one built during Reagan's presidency. Trump, in his campaign of “give” or “take,” tried to charge taxpayers billions to perform minor repairs on the existing wall, thus inflating costs and exploiting the public's willingness to support his campaign promises.

The crux of the matter lies in the allocation of resources. Instead of focusing on constructing a barrier, efforts should be directed towards addressing the root causes of migration, such as poverty, violence, and political instability in source countries. This would likely be a more effective and sustainable approach to border security.

Ultimately, What’s Ahead?

The future of border security is far from clear-cut. In the wake of the increasing numbers of illegal immigrants, calls for a robust wall continue to resurface. However, recent events highlight a shift in priorities, with a focus on strengthening existing infrastructure and addressing the broader issues that fuel migration.

It is important to critically evaluate such policies and consider their long-term effects. The Biden administration's approach, while more conservative, aims to address the immediate challenges of border security and to lay a foundation for more substantial and sustainable long-term solutions.

Conclusion

The debate over border security, while complex, must be grounded in reality and supported by sound policies. The wall, whether talked about or built, is just one element of a much larger and multifaceted issue. As the nation continues to grapple with immigration policy, it is essential to approach these challenges with a clear and pragmatic mindset, recognizing the limitations of political rhetoric and the importance of addressing the underlying factors that drive migration.