Introduction
Historically, the U.S. Southern border has always been active and insecure. The migrant crisis in the 18th century fostered the establishment of U.S. Border Security Policy. Its purpose was to prevent illegal immigration and illicit trade in the United States. Border Security Policy can be perceived as a means of enforcing the measures put forth by the U.S. Department of Homeland security (DHS), in its effort to curb the flow of massive migrations that are taking place throughout Central America.
These actions include increased border fencing and walls along the southern Border States such as Texas, New Mexico, and California and, more recently, the newly-amended protocols for asylum seekers. The following measures will make an effort to deconstruct these measures by illustrating those who would benefit from it, while also emphasizing those who will inevitably face the dire consequences of their enforcement.
Stakeholders Involved in the Process of U.S. Border Security Policy
In their efforts to eliminate the flow of illegal aliens, the DHS has implemented new international policies for those seeking asylum in the United States. In the past, for example, such measures as border fences and walls acted as a means of deterrence for the illegal flow of migrants. However, “the construction of the 650 miles of border fencing from 2007 to 2011, as well as the additional infrastructure, technology, and manpower, added since then, have failed to secure the border from drug and human trafficking, or stem illegal immigration” (Davidson, 2019, 3). Naturally, the primary stakeholder in this situation was the U.S. government, as it was taking responsibility for the safety of its citizens.
In the 20th century, illegal immigration continued to increase, due to a significant booster in the economy and the demand for labor. Numerous immigration reforms and attempts to decrease the number of unauthorized border-crossings were enacted but didn’t completely halt illegal entry. The border fences and walls have failed to limit the flow of migrants who have only sought other means of illegal entry. Therefore, the main stakeholders in this scenario have been unable to ensure their interests. These interests being the protection of the American economy from tax-dodging workers who have also replaced numerous labor positions. These positions otherwise would have been sought after by American citizens.
New Asylum Measures for Migrants
In addition to increased border security being implemented along the borders of the southern United States, new asylum measures that aim to benefit the average American have also taken place. However, while this may be the case, others will see the added disadvantage to desperate migrants fleeing violent tyranny in Central America. Most recently, the DHS had introduced the newly-amended “Migrant Protection Protocol” in Eagle Pass, Texas (one of the ports of entry points along the US-Mexico border). The policy requires asylum seekers to remain in ‘in Mexico’ while they await their court proceedings by U.S. immigration officials (Aguilar, 2019).
While the DHS claims that the new administration is seeking to curb the number of illegal immigrants from entering the United States, migrants are faced with the increased threat of violence to themselves, their families as well as threats to their livelihood (Aguilar, 2019). This has caused significant disagreement on the issue of border security.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there exist two fundamental flaws regarding the measures of Texas border security. International public policy has sought to enforce diplomacy, ensure safety, and establish firm lines of discourse between nations. It is meant to bring the most significant benefit to the greatest number the U.S. residents. However, it has shown to be precisely the opposite in the previous measures discussed on Texas border security. Border fencing and walls have proven ineffective in the deterrence of illegal immigration and have only resulted in alternative methods of illegal migration. Newly-enforced asylum protocols have also failed to find a solution and have further betrayed the morality behind the treatment of persons and the human rights they are entitled to.
References
Aguilar, J. (2019). Trump’s Controversial “Remain in Mexico” Immigration Policy Expands Along Texas’ Southern Border. Web.
Davidson, J. D. (2019). A brief history of border security 1836 to present. Texas Public Policy Foundation, (pp.1-20).