Border Security
Instructions: Prepare a comprehensive plan for US border security. The plan will include concepts such as border security, immigration issues, economic impact and future political ramifications. The paper will address the current pitfalls associated with this topic and your recommendations on how to rectify the situation. Remember, this submission requires APA writing style.
Solution.
Securing the Border
Introduction
Recently, there have been raising concerns about the status of security at the borders of the US. Immigrants illegally cross the border every day into the United States. Also, drug trafficking is an emerging setback along the borders of Mexico and the United States. These are some of the difficulties that the country faces with the border security, but also it has instigated more economic ramifications and raised a number of death rates along the border. Unless the US Department of Customs and Border Protection do something to strengthen the security along our borders, immigrants will continue to flock to the US; drugs trafficking will escalate, and related deaths will continue to upsurge. In mitigating some of these issues, it is recommended that the US Department of Customs and Border protection increase the security personnel at the border and foster drone technology for ample surveillance.
Pitfalls in Border Security
Statistics suggest that illegal immigrant trepidations have declined from a staggering 1.6 million from the tear 2000 to roughly 0.42 million (Seghetti & Durak, Apprehensions of Unauthorized Migrants along the Southwest Border: Fact Sheet). The deserts in the northern part of Mexico and South-west U.S are sweltering and dry. Yuma, Arizona have seen temperatures rise to about 115 degrees by noon. Reports suggest that an estimated five thousand immigrants have lost their lives on the verge of crossing the US-Mexico border into the US (Seghetti & Durak, Apprehensions of Unauthorized Migrants along the Southwest Border: Fact Sheet). Mathematically, such a number estimates to 276 deaths each year at the border. Such a figure reveals those people that are struggling thick and thin to enter the U. S illegally.
Not only does immigration cause death of those whose want to enter the U.S illegally, but also it has escalated drug trafficking at the border hence messing up with the security at the border. Statistics suggest an estimate of 44,000- 55,000 deaths have occurred due to drug trafficking organizations in Mexico (Harris, 2012). Efforts have been put in place to stop the ongoing drug wars between the drug trafficking organizations(DTOs). DTOs are making are worsening the security status at the borders of US and Mexico. These drugs are transported from other neighboring countries such as Mexico and then they are roughly sold for an outstanding 18-39 billion annually at a wholesale price. (Painter, 2013). Drug money is often used to buy weapons in the US, or it is smuggled back to Mexico. Painter explains that, the amount of liquid money that the DTOs gain from drug trafficking generates income that catalyzes illegal activities in the country such as kidnapping for ransom, human and weapon trafficking, counterfeiting and piracy, and extortion (Harris, 2012, p. 29). This is a form of spillover violence which greatly impacts on the economy of the nation.
Scholars have argued on the on the pros and cons of illegal immigrants into the US. Notably, it is evident that there is a negative impact to US economy with the growing number of illegal immigrants. In 2010, illegal immigrant household received an average of $24721 in government benefits and services while paying $10,334 towards taxes. Such a scenario generated an average annual fiscal debt of around $14,387 per household. This phenomenon has considerably impacted on the economy of the nation. (Rector, 2013). Immigration has facilitated poor tax analysis as most of the immigrants defy payment of taxes, which further cultivates higher annual deficit to the nation.
There are also other pitfalls in issues to deal with border security which includes accelerated rates of crime at the border and terrorist tendencies. Research suggest that since America is one of the target countries that terrorists target, many terrorists and coming through the leakages at the border into the country to carry out their operations. Reports suggest that there is a correlation between immigration and terrorism. It is evident that some terrorism perpetrators compose of some illegal immigrants (Kephart, 2005).
Recommendations
Even though the cabinet criticized Alden’s vision in his book “Closing of the American Border,” it is evident that the president should have taken a leadership role in advocating for readjusting all of the border security and relevant law enforcement agencies into the DHS with the responsibilities for disaster planning and response. Also, in executing a border security enterprise, Alden advises individuals of the strategies to acquire a secure border. In his book, Alden, advises any U.S presidential candidate on the possible steps to ensure the border. There are possible plans that can be put in place to enable secure borders. Such include adding security personnel at the border, use of drone technology, and implementing the Border Patrol strategic plan (2012-2013).
In the event to prevent these pitfalls that largely affect the security at out birders. It is recommended that an increase of security personnel at the border must be implemented by the US Department of Customs and Border Security along the US- Mexico border. Such a strategy could help some apprehensions, decrease the rate of drug trafficking and regulate the products that come in out of the country. In the year 2004, the Department of Homeland Security had 10,500 patrol agents at the borders of the country. That number increased to about 20,000 in 2011(Harris 2012). Since there is a lot border to cover, it is recommended to add more personnel in the field. Supportively, a force in numbers will intimidate any unusual activities at the borders. Therefore, the amount of ground monitored by the newly added personnel will be monitored thoroughly.
Alternatively, technology plays a significant role in the security system of any nation or company. For the US, Drone is a type of technology has a unique attribute in the ability to monitor innumerable miles of the borders while employing minimal resources. Bolkcom & Nunez -Neto describes a drone as an instrument that can identify a smaller object 60,000 feet away. ( (Bolkcom & Nuñez-Neto, 2008)). The project requires a great amount of money to implement. Although the Senate approved the bill for drones, surveillance, and agents. (Edward, 2008). The drone will be a new wake in the ensuring a safe border; its monitoring abilities are efficient. The only drawback the drones pose is a response to the emergency issues. In case, it malfunctions as while airborne; the pilot cannot have full control of the drone. Otherwise, a computer cannot have instincts like a pilot. However, such is not a big threat in implementing a secure border in our country.
The best way to ensure our border is fully secure is to implement the 2012-2016 Border Patrol Strategic Plan. The plan is comprised of two goals, to secure America’s borders and to strengthen the Border Patrol. The main focus of securing America’s Borders is to manage risks, prevent terrorist’s weapons and terrorists from entering the US, increasing community engagement, government approach to securing borders and distrusting and degrading transnational criminal organizations. Secondly, in the verge to strengthen border patrol, the US Department of Customs and Border Patrol stipulates on ways of supporting border patrol employees, preserving the organizational integrity, and enhancing the overall efficiency of the border patrol.
The 2012-2016 Border, Patrol Strategic Plan, has devised intensive strategies to guard the US border efficient. It is suggested that through the upgrade of the surveillance system and mobile response strategies, the nation will be secure at the frontier. Also to solve the illegal immigration issues it is evident that the new patrol strategy will greatly minimize the rate of the illicit trade taking place around the borders, especially the US-Mexico border. Additionally, with the upgraded system of surveillance and additional workforce to patrol the border makes it easier for workers to make shifts and lessen burn-out issues that may lead to poor surveillance.
Conclusion
Since the September 11th bombings, the government has come up with different legislations involving the apprehensions of illegal immigrants into the country. With the underlying pitfalls that impact on the economy of a nation, the strategies mentioned above will enable a secure border. Alden in his book gives a comprehensive advice to event official or politician in making sure that US borders are secure and safe for the well- being of individuals. So far a part of the 2012-2016 Broder Patrol Plan has been implemented, and there is more to contribute to the safety of a nation. Adding more patrol agents in the country is beneficial as most miles will be covered for inspection. Technologically, the Senate approved a bill top the introduction of drones into the border patrol program. Drones are the most efficient devices to employ in achieving the best surveillance. Lastly, illegal immigration has brought more harm than good, as such, the new presidential candidate must consider securing our (U.S Department of Customs and Border Patrol, 2012)borders.
References
Bolkcom, C., & Nuñez-Neto, B. (2008). Homeland Security: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Border Surveillance. Congressional Research Service, 1-6.
Carla, A. N. (2016). Border Security: Immigration Enforcement between Ports of Entry. Congressial Research Service.
Crawford, A. J., & Martin, E. (2013). Border Security, One Footprint at a Time. Bloomberg Business Week( 4328), 28-30.
Edward, A. (2008). The Closing of the American Border: Terrorism, Immigration, and Security Since 9/11. Harper Collins.
Harris, C. W. (2012). U.S. Land Border Security: The Strength of the Physical Protection System. 6(3), 219-244.
Kephart, J. L. (2005). Immigration and Terrorism: Moving Beyond the 9.
Painter, W. L. (2013). Issues in Homeland Security Policy Congressional Research Service: Report.
Rector, R. &. (2013). The Fiscal Cost of Unlawful Immigrants and Amnesty to the US Taxpayer. . Heritage Foundation.
Seghetti, L., & Durak, D. (. (Apprehensions of Unauthorized Migrants along the Southwest Border: Fact Sheet). 2014. Congressional.
U.S Department of Customs and Border Patrol. (2012). 2012-2016 Bordr Startegi Plan.
