The Great Wall of America

In an article from the Times, illegal immigration and the need for a solution are once again discussed. The United States government has decided to build a 1.2 billion dollar wall to help hinder illegal immigration, as well as pay for newer technology and more personnel support for the border patrol. This is just another example of the inefficiency and idiocy of our government. The reporters for Time who wrote the article came upon a group of Mexicans who scaled the wall with relative ease, despite elderly women and children being apart of the group. Upon seeing the reporters drive up, the group then proceeded to climb back over. The walls may keep vehicles from moving across the border, but it can not even keep elderly women and children out. I can't believe that the United States would allocate so much money to such a dud of a project. There are approximately 12 million illegal immigrants living in the United States. If the government used the 1.2 billion dollars to create an education/citizenship program or something along those lines, there would be approximately $1000 dollars for each illegal immigrant. We could easily use a few hundred dollars to educate the uneducated in a way that would benefit them, our economy, and even Mexico's economy. We could educate the workers in a trade and either have them work here or send them back to Mexico should they want to return. David Von Drehle, the writer of the article states that he believes the only way to solve the immigration "problem" is to boost Mexico's economy. By boosting Mexico's economy, it would create more opportunities in Mexican businesses, especially for the uneducated, unemployed who would be more likely to emigrate in the first place. On top of possibly reducing the incoming of immigrants, it would help boost our economy. Representative Ciro Rodriguez of Texas talked about Texas's economic relationship with Mexico and how if one is struggling, the other will too. Texas's economy contributes to the American economy. If we can boost Texas's economy, we will boost the American economy. This solution works for both parties involved. We will help Mexico retain its labor force, and boost our own economy in the process. 

Time magazine

written by David Von Drehle

June 30, 2008 edition