Flaws in U.S. Border Security: Grade Control Structure Also Acting as Foot Bridge

For decades, mainland U.S. has hosted millions of illegal immigrants or aliens or those who enter the country without proper legal procedure. In fact, it is estimated that there are over 12 to 20 million illegal immigrants who are now in the U.S. though more accurate figures are still unknown. About 57% of these immigrants are Mexicans themselves trying to find greener pasture in America. This is an indication that there are certainly numerous flaws with regards to border security in the U.S.-Mexico border.

It is quite intriguing that despite of the established electrified fences, barbed wires and security personnel patrolling the border 24/7, there are still a lot of illegal entries that go unnoticed. Illegal immigration is proven to cause a lot of problems for society. First, illegal immigrants compete against legal citizens for available job slots. They may also carry along with them contagious diseases such as Cholera and Tuberculosis. And finally, smuggling of illegal drugs is also attributed to them. Not to mention the high crime rates of cities with higher concentration of illegal immigrants.

The mighty Rio Grande River which separates the U.S. from Mexico serves as a natural barrier in preventing people from crossing opposite sides. Despite of this natural border, the construction of a river structure held it useless. The structure is rumored to be used by immigrants who would like to cross across the river. It could have functioned as a bridge for people to cross and illegally enter the border. As evidence of such claim, frequent sneaker tracks were spotted within the area.

The spokeswoman for the International Boundary and Water Commission, Sally Spener, mentioned that the structure was not made to function as a bridge but as a grade control structure. They help soil erosion caused by water washing off sediments. Grade control structure or not, illegal immigrants have been using it as a reliable platform in crossing the river and conduct their illegal deeds. Various citizens have now petitioned to remove the “bridge” as it will only contribute to more illegal entries within the country. I say they should put border guards to patrol the structure or at least put fences on both ends to repel any person who is trying to cross.

Today, the issue with regards to illegal immigration has really been a hot topic. Various states are now toughening their stance with the passing of anti-illegal immigration policies and laws. Obama’s added funding for border security is also welcome news for legal citizens as it implies the government’s willingness to solve this issue and fight off illegal immigration. By removing numerous flaws in these borders, more illegal entries will be prevented and illegal immigration will be better controlled.