Walls are often built to divide, serve as a foundation or hide. A wall has been used metaphorically to describe many characteristics. But when it comes to the issue surrounding the border between America and Mexico, is there a necessity to create a ‘great wall?’ The growing problem of illegal immigrants has caused alarm to the US authorities’ even decades ago, people from Mexico crossing the border in hopes for a better life. According to Dan Stein in 2007, the true solution to illegal immigration was to secure the border. However, is there truly a strong need to create a bigger separation between the two countries? The answer is no.
First, there is a striking difference between prevention and remedy. Building a wall is a remedy, because the problem existed decades ago. Jan Ting mentioned that there is no silver bullet that can address the problem of illegal immigration; the solution is not a wall but rather a more ‘stable’ border. The border does not mean a physical wall, but rather policies that will address the growing problem. It is observable that even despite the efforts of border policies to patrol day in and day out, there are still people who manage to escape their vigilant eyes. Building a physical wall only serve as a temporary remedy, because in no time people will find ways to overhaul it.
In addition, the wall will send an unconscious message towards the status difference of the two countries. Mexico will be known as the country behind the wall of America. It will send the wrong message to society in relation to the social difference of the nation. It may promote racism, that will eventually effect legal immigrants in America. Racism; for years, has evolved into varied forms. It has evolved together with the changing times. People will have the impression that people who attempt to cross the fence are threats to the security of the nation.
Lastly, the wall is only a physical representation, but the system for which the wall serve is in need of greater improvement. The wall is nothing if the procedures surrounding the effort of addressing illegal immigration is weak. Lou Dobbs mentioned that the division between the two countries is obviously more than a fence, it is far more symbolic. It urges people to think negatively against illegal immigrants and in the process creates a negative impact for society.
People are prone to hasty generalization. Illegal immigrants are already living a difficult lifestyle because every day they can be deported back to their country once they were caught. The problem is even more difficult because of the stigma constituted by society. People have their reasons, but amidst the growing problem of illegal immigration, it is difficult to balance empathy and reason. People are becoming wiser in trying to outwit the authorities; a simple wall can not keep them out. They can find another method in order to reach their goal. Similar to how Douglas Massey puts it the immigrants eventually got smarter and was able to go around the sectors and enter through different lands like dessert and ranches. The solution is not simple, it must there are a lot of consideration to be thought off, but it is important, to always remember the humanitarian element.
References:
Dobbs L (2007) Lou Dobbs Tonight.
Massey, D (2007) President Bush Needs to Treat the US-Mexico Border as a Line Between Two Neighbors. Not a War Zone. Albuquerque Tribune
Stein D (2007). An Immigration reform agenda for the 110th congress.
Ting J (2008) No Great wall for Mexico. The US should Stress Workplace enforcement of immigration laws instead of constructing barricades along the Mexican Border.
