The Futility and Exploits of Constructing a Border Wall between the US and Mexico

Introduction

The idea of building a border wall between the United States and Mexico is often touted as a solution to several issues, particularly in the realm of illegal immigration. However, further examination reveals the absurdity and impracticality of such a project. This article delves into the various shortcomings, both practical and ideological, associated with the concept of a border wall, challenging the rhetoric perpetuated by certain political figures.

Practical Issues with a Border Wall

Much of the debate around building a border wall revolves around the physical and geographical challenges that make it impractical. The Rio Grande, the primary river forming part of the border, presents a significant obstacle. The wall would either have to give up some land to Mexico or encroach upon Mexican territory, both of which are non-starter options for the United States. These issues highlight the immensity of the task and the inherent flaws in the idea.

Another major issue is the cost and maintenance. Building a wall across the entire 2,000-mile border would be incredibly expensive, estimated in the hundreds of billions of dollars. More importantly, a wall alone would be ineffective without additional security measures such as patrolling and electronic monitoring. Despite the rhetoric, the current measures in place, such as barriers, fences, and cameras, already provide significant security. Overhauling these existing systems with a grandiose wall would be a waste of resources.

The Role of Politics and Ideology

The political narrative surrounding the border wall often overshadows the practical aspects. Critics of the wall, particularly members of the Democratic Party, argue that it is nothing more than a distraction and a scam. They point out that the wall was first constructed in 1909, indicating that the need for such a structure has not changed fundamentally.

Senator Donald Trump's advocacy for the border wall is often criticized as misleading. The wall is positioned as a solution to curb illegal immigration when, in fact, it primarily serves as a political tool to appeal to nationalist and racist sentiments. Trump's rhetoric, which emphasizes the need for a wall, is seen as a form of manipulation to entertain and distract the public while allowing American employers to continue hiring undocumented immigrants.

It is noteworthy that American employers, especially those in low-wage sectors, have a consistent and insatiable need for immigrant labor. For over four decades, the current immigration laws have not been sufficient to satisfy this demand. Trump's wall proposal was, in part, an attempt to keep the public focused on a symbolic obstacle rather than addressing the root causes of illegal immigration.

Current Security Measures and their Effectiveness

Currently, the border has hundreds of miles of barriers, walls, fences, and surveillance systems. The wall often touted as Trump's grand project is just a more elaborate fence. The added expense and maintenance required to build and staff a wall along the entire border would be a financial burden without any tangible benefits. In many areas, large sections are desolate and can be monitored effectively without such extensive and costly walls.

When Trump took office, there were already hundreds of miles of border walls in place. In the four years of his presidency, Trump added around 49 new miles of wall. This expansion did not receive strong support within the Republican Party, indicating that the push for the wall was more a product of political expediency than genuine policy needs.

Conclusion

While the idea of a border wall may seem appealing in rhetoric, it fails to address the practical, economic, and ideological realities of border security. The wall is more about political posturing and_diversion than substantive policy. The challenges posed by the Rio Grande, the high cost, and the existing security measures highlight the futility of such a grand project. It is essential to focus on more effective and practical solutions that address the real issues of immigration and border security.