Sounds like the opening line from that poor attempt of a joke told to you by your brother-in-law over the barbeque during Memorial Day. However, the border fence, immigration reform and the case of the Atlanta lawyer with TB have more in common than you think - and it’s not a joke.
The Senate is currently considering immigration reform legislation that also includes additional measures to firm up the security of our borders. The contentious border fence, mandated by Congress last year, is beginning to become reality as the Department of Homeland Security takes steps to build it. Millions, if not billions of dollars are being spent on physical barriers, additional federal agents, secured traveler programs, and inspections of people, vehicles and cargo as part of the federal government’s efforts to secure the homeland.
Yet one man’s success in entering the United States may cause the taxpaying public to question the usefulness of fencing, searches, high-tech inspections, and additional acts of Congress. Andrew Speaker’s actions will undoubtedly result in hearings by Congress, new rules and regulations from the Department of Homeland Security and probably a couple of made-for-TV movies. However, these things aside, lawmakers and the media alike have thus far missed the opportunity to ask several important questions:
What is the federal plan to manage and secure our borders and ports of entry?
And, has there been an assessment of the impact of the various federal programs on security, both physical and economic?
Though seemingly basic, these questions are often quickly ignored as soon as the conversation over security turns political. However, rather than examine these important questions in hindsight after the next near-miss to our security, policy-makers should use the opportunity to examine them as they consider additional security measures.
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‘has there been an assessment of the impact of the various federal programs on security, both physical and economic?’
Has there been any media that’s named the CBP guy stationed at Champlain, or talked to him, for that matter? That man could probably shed some light on the impacts of various federal border programs. CBP officers in other blogs have mentioned that ‘apathy’ plagues the ranks all too often.
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The BTA reserves the right to post comments it feels are appropriate to creating a dialog around border issues. We are interested in hearing from all points of view and encourage those with unique, constructive perspectives to contribute their view points to help shape the future of our borders. BTA is a tri-national organization and will not accept posts that contain derogatory comments made towards citizens, groups, or organizations of any kind.