Border Security: A Comprehensive Review of the United States’ Approach to Southwest Border Policy

Abstract

This paper addresses the effect that the presence of a physical border wall on the southern United States-Mexico border has on deterring unauthorized immigration, illegal drug-trafficking, and countering narco-terrorism. While current techniques and legislation have intended to secure major crossing locations, they have resulted in a redistribution of border route traffic putting more immigrants in fatal danger and increasing demand for coyotes, or human trafficking guides. Not only have the government and media created a public perception of fear in its efforts to protect the homeland through national security, but there have also been negative effects on people on both sides of the border in the process. The impact of political-economic factors of border security and its ties to foreign policy will be considered as well as the relevance of drug violence and immigration perspectives in creating legislation. This paper will seek to describe a more comprehensive and contemporary border policy that utilizes technology and more inclusive policy while still upholding prevention of danger on America’s homeland