Border Security

Constructing a border wall was one of President Trump’s signature campaign promises when he ran for president. This guide examines the barrier, its costs and impact, and the surrounding political climate.

Updated: 2022-08-19

History

2008

Secure Communities Program (S-COMM)

The Secure Communities Program expanded Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s ability to detain suspected undocumented immigrants.

2009-2011

ATF Gun-Running Scandal

Between 2009 and 2011, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) ran a series of controversial sting operations over the southern border.

2014

Priority Enforcement Program

In 2014, President Obama enacted the Priority Enforcement Program to focus ICE’s efforts on undocumented immigrants that posed a threat to public safety.

1997

Flores Settlement Agreement

President Clinton signed the Flores Settlement Agreement in 1997 to reform legal procedures surrounding immigrant minors.

2018-2019

2019 Government Shutdown

In December 2018, amid a stalemate about border wall funding, Congress failed to enact a new budget, leading to the longest government shutdown in history.

1953-1954

Operation Wetback

Concerns around immigration and a lack of job opportunities prompted Operation Wetback, which saw up to one million Mexican immigrants deported.

Introduction

President Trump’s bout for border security culminated in one of the most contentious campaign promises: Build that Wall. The border wall became a staple of Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign. The border wall is a pop-culture symbol and Republican rally chant, but what exactly does the wall look like? What is it made of, and how is it being paid for?

Shifting Messages

Politics is full of policy changes, and immigration is no different. While Republicans have historically emphasized strong border security and legal immigration, their rhetoric regarding undocumented immigrants has shifted significantly over the last 30 years. Similarly, Democrats used to be much more critical of undocumented immigrants than they are today.

In 1996, the Democratic platform stated, "The border was under-patrolled, and what patrols there were, were under-equipped. Drugs flowed freely. Illegal immigration was rampant. Criminal immigrants, deported after committing crimes in America, returned the very next day to commit crimes again." This is a very different message compared to their 2020 platform, which called for a much greater level of humane treatment of immigrants and their families and, at least in part, vilified ICE agents and proponents of hardline immigration policy.

In a 1980 debate, Ronald Reagan spoke about collaborating with Mexico in dealing with the immigration crisis, calling them "our neighbor to the south." During that same debate, when asked if children in the country illegally could attend U.S. public schools, George H. W. Bush didn't hesitate. He said he does not want to see six or 8-year-olds being uneducated or "made to feel that they're living outside the law." Over 30 years later, and while he doesn't represent all conservatives, Donald Trump's remarks draw a stark contrast to H. W.'s. "When Mexico sends its people, they're not sending their best," or his campaign policy promise to make Mexico pay for the construction of a border wall.

Hispanic Nashville

For Democrats in the 80's and '90s, the growing immigrant population posed a problem for the party's labor priorities. However, near the turn of the century, things began to change. As the Democratic party became more diverse (+18% non-white since 1995), their messaging shifted to accepting their diverse constituency, transforming immigration from a security problem to a civil rights issue. Shifts in Republican messaging are designed to target voters as well. According to former Bush Press Secretary Ari Fleisher, "I think the biggest change [from Bush to Trump] was that the economy weakened. People in America were worried about their jobs and their livelihood, and they did worry about a surge of people coming through illegally." Another prominent conservative, Mark Krikorian from the Center for Immigration Studies, said, "[In 2016, Donald Trump] took advantage of that gap between what the actual voters wanted and what the political class was offering." The 45th President's 'America First' agenda spoke to millions who felt that illegal immigrants were an added burden to the nation's economic well-being and that providing paths to citizenship would only encourage future illegal immigration.

Today, Democrats are more likely to view immigration as a human rights issue and Republicans as a safety and security issue. A poll from the Cato institute backs this up: 70% of Democrats say racist beliefs drive the desire for less immigration. In comparison, 88% of Republicans say a sincere interest in controlling the country's borders is why they support border security measures. Despite the partisan breakdown, 57% of Americans ultimately believe that strict immigration results from wanting secure borders, not racism.

What is the Border Wall?

USA Today

According to the Congressional Research Service, the Mexico–United States barrier, also known as the border wall, is a series of vertical barriers along the Mexico–United States border intended to reduce illegal immigration to the United States from Mexico. According to BBC News, Before Trump took office, there were 654 miles (just over 1,000km) of barrier along the southern border - made up of 354 miles of barricades to stop pedestrians and 300 miles of anti-vehicle fencing. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), as of October 2020, there are 669 miles of “primary barrier” – the first structure people heading from Mexico to the U.S. will encounter – and 65 miles of “secondary barrier” – which usually runs behind the primary wall as a further obstacle – along the southern border. In total, the Trump administration added 80 miles of new barriers and also upgraded numerous sections. Much of the current wave (2016-present) of construction is 18-30ft (5.4-9m) reinforced bollard fencing (steel beams). This design allows border agents to look through the wall and adjust to prevent large groups from crossing the border at a given time. In addition, anti-climb features ensure that migrants reach a legal point of entry where officials can stop human trafficking and begin the process of legal immigration.

How is Border Security Paid for?

Since the creation of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in 2003, the federal government has spent an estimated $333 billion on the agencies that carry out immigration enforcement. Between 2016 and 2020, just over $5 billion in funding has come via traditional means through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, but Trump also ordered almost $10 billion in Department of Defense (DoD) funding.

Border Wall Effectiveness?

Under President Trump, the number of undocumented immigrants reached a decade low. Whether this is due to additional segments of the border wall or a series of immigration reforms is unknown. Strengthening and extending the border barrier is unlikely to do much to reduce illegal drugs - such as heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine - because most come through established border checkpoints, known as ports of entry. While most of the heroin in the U.S. does come from Mexico, the Drug Enforcement Administration says most of it is hidden in privately owned vehicles or transporter lorries, mixed with other goods, and smuggled through legal entry points. An NPR/Ipsos poll found that partisan fault lines begin to emerge surrounding the influx of immigrants at the Southern Border. For example, most Democrats (63%) favor providing resources to El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras to curb Central American immigration (just 37% of Republicans agree). On the other side, three-quarters of Republicans (76%) support building a wall or fence along the entirety of the border – something only one in five Democrats favor.

Democrat Viewpoint. Expanding the border wall is a divisive misuse of taxpayer dollars. President Trump abused the project, taking away far too much funding from other departments to pay for it, including the Pentagon and the Department of Defense’s drug interdiction program. Border expansion efforts and the narratives around them put local communities at risk and risk ruining the United State’s relationship with Mexico.

Republican Viewpoint. The Border Patrol requires a physical barrier to prevent illegal border crossings. Officers also need to see through the barrier to watch for large gatherings and potential breaches; this means slates with anti-climb technology are most effective. Without a robust physical barrier, illegal immigrants will continue to cross into the United States, and traffickers will continue to smuggle people across the border.

Texas Border Battle

TAG 24

After President Biden halted the construction of President Trump’s border wall, Texas Governor Greg Abbott vowed to build his own border wall in Texas. After approving $1.05 billion in the spring, the Texas House recently allocated an additional $1.88 billion in funding for southern border security. Advocates say the state-funded wall will decrease the number of immigrants trying to pass through their border with Mexico. Opponents say the wall is expensive, ineffective, and fails to address the root causes of illegal immigration.

The Texas-Mexico border stretches over 1,200 miles. Under the guidance of Governor Abbott, Texas plans to build a wall along 733 miles of that border. The Texas House of Representatives recently passed HB 9, which approved an additional $1.88 billion for construction on top of the $1.05 billion approved in the spring of 2021. Also, Texas has raised $54 million in private funding to fund other border projects.

Advocates say these projects will reduce the number of immigrants coming into Texas and the U.S. more broadly, especially those who have tried to cross the border before. Approximately 27% of migrants who made it to the border this summer had previously attempted to enter the United States illegally. The law also provides funds for Texas to station an additional 1,800 Texas National Guard soldiers at the border, bringing the total to 2,500.

To some, these are necessary public safety measures. Others see them as part of the current Governor’s strategy to maximize voter turnout ahead of the 2022 gubernatorial election. A poll by the University of Texas at Austin found that Abbott’s 41% approval rating was an all-time low, with 50% of Texans disapproving of his actions in August 2021.

According to the U.S. Constitution, border security is primarily a federal responsibility. States must collaborate with the federal government to make changes to border security. This may present itself as a legal obstacle to Governor Abbott’s plan. Some Texas landowners have already filed lawsuits against the federal government, under President Trump, for attempts at building the border. However, the state is allowed to build a wall on private land. Approximately 120 landowners have agreed to allow a temporary fence along their properties while the state constructs the actual border wall.

Democrats Response. Immigration reform is the responsibility of the federal government, not individual states. Texas has no legal authority to build this wall in another attempt to keep migrants from coming to the border. Despite the Governor’s constant claims of the high rate of undocumented immigration, illegal immigration numbers have gone down over the years. This wall is just a personal, political attempt for Governor Abbott to continue Trump administration policies and gain support from right-wing Texans before his attempt at reelection in 2022.

Republican Response. If the federal government refuses to take responsibility for securing the borders of this country, then the burden of security falls on the states. Ideally, the federal government would work with states to construct a border wall, but in this instance, Texas is taking a positive step towards solving the U.S. border crisis.

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Discussion Questions

Why do you think the border wall did not receive full funding?
How significant of a role do you believe the border wall played in reducing illegal crossings?
Despite 654 miles of existing barriers on the border before President Trump, it has become an extremely partisan issue within the last few years. Why do you think this is?

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Terms

Learn More

Immigrant. A person who migrates to a new country, usually for permanent residence.

Nonimmigrant. “Nonimmigrants are persons admitted to the U.S. temporarily for a particular purpose, such as education, temporary work, business, or travel. Once the time allowed for their visit ends, nonimmigrants must leave the country and return home.” (WHGC Law Firm)

Undocumented Immigrant. An undocumented immigrant is a foreign-born person who doesn't have a legal right to be or remain in a country. (Nolo) Is “undocumented immigrant” the same as “illegal alien”? In theory, yes, but neither are terms used in U.S. immigration law; they’re jargon. The United States Border Protection Service uses the term “alien” to define foreign individuals who have entered the country. The immigration reform bill proposed by President Joe Biden would remove the word “alien” from U.S. immigration law and replace it with “noncitizen.”

Refugee. “A person who flees their country due to persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution because of race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group. Refugees are eligible for federal resettlement assistance.” (NCSL)

Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR). “An LPR is an immigrant who has been lawfully accorded the privilege of residing permanently in the United States. Lawful permanent residents are granted admission to the United States based on family relations or job skills. Refugees and asylees may adjust to LPR status after one year of continuous residence.” (NCSL)

Naturalization. The process by which a foreign-born individual becomes a citizen of the United States. Immigrants must be at least 18 years old; have been lawful permanent residents of the United States for five years (three years if married to a U.S. citizen); demonstrate a basic knowledge of English, American government, and history. (FindLaw)

Visa. “A visa is a permit to apply for entry into the United States. Visas can be designated as immigrant or nonimmigrant depending on the visa holder's purpose for entry.” A visa doesn't guarantee entry into the U.S. but merely allows a foreign national to enter a U.S. city where their status is determined. (WHGC)

Green Card. “A foreign-born person who is not a citizen or national of the United States but who has legal resident status must have an Alien Registration Card (I-551 identification card), also known as a green card. The Alien Registration Card serves as proof of the immigrant's identity and confirms their status as a legal permanent resident.” (WHGC)

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Narratives

Left Narrative

The Democratic platform centers around the idea that not only do immigrants support America, but that they are America. They believe that immigrants are essential to society and the economy as they enrich culture, grow food, hold office, serve in the armed forces, and help to build communities. After all, today’s America is largely a country of immigrants.

While the U.S. immigration system may have been broken long before Donald Trump took office, the Left was appalled by his efforts to whip up votes by tapping into nationalist sentiment. Democrats strongly believe that the United States should be a “beacon of hope” for those suffering violence and injustice, which is why the party is committed to...

Providing a roadmap to citizenship for the millions of undocumented people in the United States who encompass an essential part of the economy and nation at large.
Prioritizing family reunification for children separated from their families at the border and bringing back reunification programs ended by the Trump Administration.

While definitive data on undocumented immigrants and their impact is sparse, studies have shown a significant correlation between undocumented immigrants and positive outcomes.

From 2012-2018, the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) found that relative to undocumented immigrants, US-born citizens are 2x more likely to be arrested for violent crimes, 2.5x more likely to be arrested for drug crimes, and over 4x more likely to be arrested for property crimes.
The CUNY Institute found that when immigration increases, violent crime rates generally go down.
Undocumented workers were also critical to the COVID-19 response and recovery: an estimated 5 million undocumented immigrants served on the front lines as “essential workers.”
Twenty-five years ago, the IRS created a program that allowed people without a Social Security number to file taxes. A Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report found that since then, 50-75% of undocumented immigrants pay billions in taxes each year.

Conservatives will say that all Democrats want a lawless Southern border, which is misleading. To be fair, the most significant disagreement within the party regards illegal immigration: 68% of strong liberals view it as “acceptable,” while 55% of moderate liberals say it is “unacceptable.” The point is that “acceptable” and “ideal” are very different. When fleeing violence, forced gang participation, and other horrors most Americans will never have to worry about, immigrating illegally may be their only choice. It’s not a long-term solution, though: a legal immigration system that attracts and keeps immigrants in the United States, strengthens democracy, and enhances long-term economic competitiveness is what America needs.

Right Narrative

The Republican platform states, "Our party is the natural home for those who come in search of freedom and justice. We welcome all to the Great Opportunity Party." Contrary to narratives often portrayed in the mainstream media, the Republican party values immigrants and recognizes the outsized benefit to our nation's economy. However, just like American citizens, immigrants must respect the rule of law, prioritizing American citizens' welfare. The GOP states that "undocumented immigration endangers everyone, exploits the taxpayers, and insults all who aspire to enter America legally."

To decrease the cost of undocumented immigrants and protect the livelihoods of legal Americans (immigrant or otherwise), the Republican party's priorities include:

Instituting mandatory nationwide E-verify programs, which are internet-based systems that verify employees' employment authorization and identity
Passing the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program ensuring public funds are only given to legal U.S. residents.
In 2013, a prominent conservative think tank projected that all undocumented immigrant households together have an aggregate annual deficit of around $54.5 billion (tax revenue minus use of public services).
All told, Americans cross-subsidize health care for unauthorized immigrants an estimated $18.5 billion each year. That works out to around $17,000 per person per year, primarily funded by federal tax, state tax, and increased insurance costs revenue.
Strengthening the southern border wall to cover the entire border and deter future illegal immigration.
In 2006, U.S. Customs and Border Protection added 29 miles of primary pedestrian wall and 603 agents to a stretch of the border in Arizona. From 2007 to 2015, this decreased illegal entries by 82% and increased meth and heroin seizures by more than 8,000% and 39,554%, respectively.

Immigration has created significant demographic and voting shifts in the United States; as of 2020, naturalized citizens made up one-tenth of all eligible voters in 2020. The Democratic Party operates under the assumption that illegal immigrants will be an electoral advantage once naturalized. As a result, the party has pushed for voting privileges for undocumented immigrants, obstructed ICE officers investigating criminal activity in "sanctuary cities," and burdened the economy with cheap imported labor. Ultimately, this has led to increased pushback from legal immigrants: in 2020, Trump made larger gains with Latino voters than any Republican president in recent history.

These issues are complicated, and it's not realistic to assert that one single approach is perfect. America was built on the promise of a better life, and to maintain that core, it must set a strong precedent of law and order to preserve the security and wellbeing of its citizens. It is unjust to use the country's resources and jeopardize its prosperity for those that have already broken its fundamental values - especially when there are millions of citizens and veterans currently in need of those resources today. Republicans appreciate that those who enter the country legally and contribute to our society are invaluable assets. They firmly believe America should continue prioritizing current citizens above all else.

Bipartisan Narrative

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Activities

General

Source Analysis - Immigration at the Southern Border

This activity analyzes data from Human Rights First and the Center for Immigration Studies on immigration statistics. Students will find the sources of how these two organizations come to present their information.

Moderate3

50 min

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Classroom Content

Browse videos, podcasts, news and articles from around the web about this topic. All content is tagged by bias so you can find out how people are reacting across party lines.