Introduction
Goodman’s article focuses on the problems faced by residents of Starr County, Texas, due to the construction of the border wall. The article was published in The New York Times, a reputable online publication. Although this media outlet is not focused exclusively on Texas, it publishes articles on various state, national, and global topics.
In addition, the text includes comments from local government officials, as well as state residents who have encountered the problem. The construction of the border wall affects many aspects of the lives of local people. Therefore, this paper provides a geographic analysis of information in the context of the impact of a given situation on land use, natural resources, demographics, and cultural features.
Article Summary
The article’s central topic is President Biden’s decision to resume the construction of border barriers in South Texas. Although one of the president’s campaign promises was to stop construction, a new law passed a few days ago aims to resume construction (Goodman, 2023). It has caused serious concern among residents and debate about the need for a barrier.
Goodman (2023) notes that the Starr County crossing was previously quite popular among emigrants. It led to illegal border crossings as well as smuggling activities. However, according to locals, these trends have recently slowed, making it appear that there is no need for continued construction (Goodman, 2023). Therefore, the decision to build about 17 miles of new fencing in Starr County caused significant public outrage.
The article highlights several noteworthy characteristics of this resolution. The author notes that this decision by the presidential administration was likely caused by an increase in the number of “unauthorized crossings along many parts of the southern border,” particularly in Texas, Arizona, and California (Goddman, 2023, para. 5). However, these changes were not recorded in Starr County, calling into question the relevance of the decision.
According to Eloy Vera, the county’s top official, building a fence around “El Paso or Eagle Pass, where hundreds and sometimes well over 1,000 migrants have been arriving each day” would make much more sense (Goodman, 2023, para. 10). However, the government argues that the high likelihood of contraband being transported into Starr County poses an increased risk to the public and necessitates construction.
While some county residents see potential benefits in building a wall, most oppose it. The fencing project involves constructing 14 segments with 18-foot-tall steel posts on a moving concrete base (Goodman, 2023, para. 25). However, gaining access to areas planned for development involves destroying the county’s property and its residents. A concrete wall had previously appeared at a local cemetery, which many residents perceived as violating their cultural heritage and values (Goodman, 2023). Moreover, the fence runs very close to people’s plots of land, sometimes touching their backyards.
Another potentially critical factor is the impact on the county’s ecosystem. It includes disrupting migratory bird habitats and destroying local landscapes (Goodman, 2023). Consequently, construction causes social and environmental issues. However, the author notes that county officials and residents often find themselves powerless over federal government decisions and lack the power to influence them (Goodman, 2023). As a result, many fear that the construction of the border barrier could become a critical issue for the county and state.
Geographical Analysis
From a geographic perspective, fencing may have negative consequences due to the region’s unique geographic and cultural context. Firstly, construction can have the most significant impact on the region’s natural resources and ecosystem. It could limit people’s access to the Rio Grande River, a vital water resource source for the entire state (Goodman, 2023).
In addition, according to local environmental organizations, the negative impact of fencing on the environment is almost inevitable. The structure is planned to pass through the SalineñoWildlife Preserve, an important site for migratory bird species (Goodman, 2023). Migratory birds traveling thousands of miles rely on the area, making it an essential destination for environmental conservation and nature-based tourism.
Secondly, the construction of this structure will lead to a change in existing forms of land use. Ms. Alvarez notes that for a long time, the government has been trying to “take her family’s land for a border barrier” (Goodman, 2023, para. 27). Starr County is a predominantly rural area where people have owned and maintained their lands for generations. However, fencing raises the prospect of landowners losing all or part of their property. It has profound implications for land use, affecting legal and social issues, including people’s traditional and cultural ties to their land.
Moreover, the construction of the wall could significantly impact demographics. On the one hand, this can help achieve government goals related to reducing the number of illegal immigrants (Goodman, 2023). Consequently, this will lead to a change in the demographics of the local population, which is currently predominantly Hispanic. On the other hand, this barrier can negatively affect citizens’ socioeconomic status and standard of living. The district’s economy largely depends on cross-border interaction. It involves trade and general industry between Mexico and the United States, which creates jobs and provides a significant part of the income for residents.
In addition, Ms. Alvarez notes that for an additional source of income, she “let locals wrangle catfish and bass from the swift waters” for a small fee (Goodman, 2023, para. 30). The erection of a barrier can limit residents’ access to a given resource and lead to the destruction of their private property, leading to negative economic consequences. Moreover, the barrier in Starr County could lead to geographic disparities in the state. Local officials note that the border wall is much more necessary for other checkpoints with large immigrant populations (Goodman, 2023). Therefore, on a larger scale, it does not positively impact solving the problem and creates restrictions on the development of the district compared to others.
Finally, the cultural features of a region are an essential aspect that must be considered in geographic analysis. Starr County has a distinct cultural background, and the area’s history is deeply intertwined with Mexican culture. Many families lived in this area for a long time, developing an exceptional cultural heritage and local traditions. Moreover, the land and sacred places of the district, such as the cemetery, where they can honor the memory of their ancestors, play a significant role in the lives of citizens (Goodman, 2023). A border wall can potentially destroy communities, take land away from private owners, and demolish cultural and family heritage. This cultural significance is a fundamental aspect of the geographic implications of border wall construction.
Conclusion
To summarize, the topic addressed in Goodman’s article is critically important to the state and Starr County. Residents’ concerns about the construction of the border barrier are based on specific geographic and cultural factors. Such changes may affect the region’s land use, natural resources, and ecosystem. Moreover, the wall may cause negative demographic and cultural trends in the area, affecting citizens’ socioeconomic status and quality of life.
Reference
Goodman, D. J. (2023). After Biden’s border wall pivot, a Texas County asks: Why build it here? The New York Times. Web.