President Bush has vowed that the 670 mile 18 ft high border fence that separates Texas from Mexico will be completed by December of 2008. As of now approximately 309 miles of the fence is completed with 371 miles more to go. According to the Houston Chronicle, Homeland Security Michael Chertoff will waiver several Federal Laws and Regulations so that the fence can be completed within the time frame quoted by President Bush. Some of these laws and regulations being waived include the Clean Water Act, National Wildlife Refuge, Eagle Protection Act, and Otay Mountain Wilderness.
On October 6th 2006, the Secure Fence Act of 2006 (H.R. 6051) was signed by President Bush. H.R 6051 authorizes the construction of hundreds of miles of fencing along our southern borders. It also calls for more checkpoints, vehicle barriers, and lighting to keep people from entering the United States illegally. The Department of Homeland Security has been given the authority to increase the usage of cameras, satellites, and unmanned aircraft to keep tabs on the border. It is believed that not only will the fence barrier keep out illegal aliens, but will help with the reduction of crime, the smuggling of drugs, and to eliminate terrorism in the United States.
Speaking out: However, several groups are speaking out against the fence stating that it was the wrong approach, and an ineffective means controlling the border. People will still find a way of entering the country illegally even though if it means risking their lives. For example, Attorney Claudio Smith, told the n p r that the fence erected by the Federal government over 10 years ago in San Diego California, did very little to keep the illegal aliens out. Those who were determined to enter the country illegally chose the more dangerous routes through treacherous mountains and across the dessert; and that an estimated 3,600 people have died while trying to illegally enter the country since the fence was erected. Some property owners have stated that the border fence will force several families into selling property along the river(Rio Grande)and that some of these properties have been handed down from generation to generation.
The Sierra Club and the Defenders of Wildlife have asked the Supreme Court to rule against the Department of Homeland Security’s waivers which exempts the border fence from Federal laws and Regulations, stating that such waivers were unconstitutional. Both the Sierra Club and The Defenders of Wildlife have spoken out against the fence, citing the great harm that it would do to endangered species. The Defenders of Wildlife were quick to point out that some of the National Wildlife Refuges are being slowly destroyed through the border fence. Some of these areas include:
Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge: (Arizona) The border control traffic through the area, the construction of buildings, within the Refuge and the increase in usage of heavy equipment and helicopters are interfering with the well being of wildlife such as the Sonoran pronghorn antelope. As of now it is estimated that there are only 30 Sonoran pronghorn antelope left in the USA.
Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge: (Arizona) Being slowly destroyed by off road vehicle and foot traffic through out the area.
Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge: (Texas) The fence would block access to much of the Rio Grande River which provides the water for much of the wildlife in the area. It also puts an end to the 200,000 plus eco-tourist that come to the area attracted by the wildlife such as the ocelots and the jaguarondi. This tourism adds approximately $150 million to the economy.
San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area: (Arizona) The fence would cut across 60 seasonal streams and dessert washes causing the erosion of the soil and increasing river sedimentation. The fence would also block wildlife movements.
The Guardian .co. ukhas reported that several lawsuits have been filed since the passage of the 2006 Secure Fence Act. The lawsuits are asking for the right to deny the Federal Government and surveyor’s access to privately owned land stating that it was a violation of their rights in the ownership of property according to the Constitution. (14th Amendment) According to the 14th Amendment, “No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.”
Native Americans have also spoken out against the border fence citing that the fence will not only run through Indian Territory, dividing it forever, but will also desecrate sacred burial grounds. Many members of the Indian Nation consider the fence barrier as being in violation of treaties. (As many as 20 tribes live within the border zone and will be affected) Because of the crack down on illegal immigration, many of the Native Americans which live within the border areas are having their rights violated by Federal agents. These agents have entered Indian Territory searching for illegal aliens and entered homes at gun point demanding to see papers. Many of the residents in the border area state that the act of entering the territory and homes are in violation of the regulations and laws set in the treaties.According to the Federal Government, Indian lands are considered as sovereign nations that have their own or separate governments, court systems, laws, regulations, and have independent control of the land, and resources (lakes and such) without state and many federal regulations.
However, the Controversial Provision Act passed and signed in 2005 gives authorization to the Department of Homeland Security to waive any and all laws that deny the rights of construction of barriers and roads in the interest of National Security. This act is being applied in order to build the barrier fence.
Understanding why: The major reason for the thousands of illegal aliens that enter the United States every year is the want of a better way of life. The unemployment rate of Mexico is extremely high, and wages are much lower than what is offered in the United States. Many of the illegal’s that enter the United States become migrant workers and send money home to the family. After the crops are in, they either travel to another farm site, or return home until the following year
The illegal aliens that remain in the United States have various reasons for doing so. One reason is the belief that if they can remain in the United States long enough, that they will receive amnesty as granted in 1986. Another reason is that they have found a “permanent” paying job, much better than they can find at home. Others stay because of the social programs offered. Many of the aliens receive free food, shelter, free education for their children, and free medical care, basics that are not offered in Mexico. . Many of the children of the illegal aliens are born here, making them United States citizens. Since they are citizens, these children can not be deported as illegal aliens, although their parents can. If the parents are deported the children usually go with them, only to return to the United States as adults. These adults, citizens of the United States, find employment and send money home to their parents and relatives. Since they are truly United States citizens, they can not be deported.
What Can be Done: Installing a border fence, tightening security, and hiring more border guards are not enough to control the constant flow of illegal immigrants into the United States. As shown in the past, fences will not stop the illegal aliens who are willing to risk their lives’ for a better way of life. As a nation, we have to enforce employment laws and put a stop to any employer or employers that knowingly and intentionally hire illegal aliens. (cheap labor, sweat shops.) . It should be made quite clear that those employers that knowingly and intentionally hire illegal aliens be punished under the full extent of the law. (hefty fines, imprisonment, both, and perhaps loss of the business). Furthermore, we can no longer offer free services, not offered in Mexico, through social programs that give free food, shelter, education, and medical care. We have to stop illegal immigrants from obtaining driver’s licenses, bank accounts, mortgages and any other benefits that are granted. As a nation, we have to make English as our language, and stop organizations, and the government from discriminating against people who do not speak Spanish over Spanish speaking people. Many places of employment now prefer bi-lingual (Spanish speaking people) over those who speak only English. The chances are that if illegal aliens are denied jobs, benefits, and are refused rights such as driver’s licenses, bank accounts, and mortgages, they will return home since there is nothing worth while to stay for.