Why Mexico Doesn’t Need a Southern Border Wall and the Cost Implications

The controversial topic of border walls has been a recurring debate, especially in the United States, with many proposing that similar measures be adopted in other countries. However, when discussing the southern border of Mexico with Guatemala, the need for such walls is often seen as unnecessary and impractical. This article delves into the reasons why Mexico does not require a wall along its southern border, focusing on the cost and effectiveness of such structures.

The Geographical Reality of the Border

The barrier between Mexico and Guatemala may exist, but the landscape is predominantly dense jungle, leaving limited space for a physical wall to be constructed. The terrain is not only challenging but also mostly private land, including farms, ranches, and national parks. This geographical feature alone makes the idea of constructing a comprehensive border wall less feasible and more costly.

Cost vs. Effectiveness: The Question of Utility

Constructing a wall along the entire 2000 miles of the border would be prohibitively expensive. Additionally, the effectiveness of such a structure is questionable. Without constant monitoring and weaponry, a wall is unlikely to serve its intended purpose. For instance, in San Diego, the border fence is often 'harvested' by local residents, who use the metal for various purposes, including crafting jewelry for tourists who cross the border daily.

The analogy of the US-built border wall along the northern border is relevant here. The extensive infrastructure along the US-Mexico border has been more of a deterrent to illegal crossings than a physical barrier, resembling Trump's famous "Great Wall" more in concept than in reality. In essence, Mexico does not need to build a Northern Wall because there already is one, and it is the US who built and paid for it.

Illegality and Border Security Concerns

Both Americans and Mexicans have similar concerns about illegal crossings. For the US, the primary motivation is to prevent unauthorized entry into the country. However, for Mexico, the issue is more pressing, as it faces concerns about illegal crossings from its northern border with the US. The flow of people and goods is a two-way street, and the dynamics mirror each other.

The Impact of Walls on the Environment and Migration

Beyond the cost and practicality, constructing a wall has significant environmental and social implications. Walls cut through rough terrain, creating paths for traffickers and making conditions more hospitable for migrants to cross. Moreover, the floodplain of the border river cannot accommodate a wall, forcing construction to take place on the Mexican side, which can lead to land cession and disrupt access to water for livestock and wildlife.

In conclusion, Mexico does not need a southern border wall due to the challenging geographical and environmental conditions. The proposed solutions of constructing such a wall have proven to be both expensive and ineffective. Instead, policy approaches that focus on managing and monitoring the flow of people and goods in a practical and sustainable manner might offer a more viable and humane solution.

Keywords: border wall, Mexico, Guatemala, wall effectiveness, border security