Border Fence Pros And Cons

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Michael Joslin Mr. Jensen ENGL 101 W 18 April 2012 The Border Fence: An Environmental and Economic Disaster In 2006, Congress authorized the Secure Fence Act; a multi-billion dollar plan to build hundreds of miles of fencing along the southern border of the United States to stem the flow of undocumented immigrants and provide security from potential terrorism. Construction of the border fence has turned into a controversial issue and financial nightmare for American taxpayers. Supporters of the fence (which covers less than half of the actual border) believe it significantly reduces the number of illegal immigrants from entering the United States. Opponents of the fence are concerned with the environmental impacts, rising costs and…show more content…
economic conditions. The border fence appears to impact the amount of apprehensions, by having the lowest recognized amount in 40 years. However, Homeland Security only records the illegal immigrants that get apprehended and has no way of knowing how many actually get into the United States. Therefore, it is unclear if the fence is as formidable and imposing as the numbers imply. The recent economic slump in the United States could also be a reason for lower arrest numbers. During these rough economic times where jobs are scarce, not only for illegals but for legal citizens as well, it is possible that fewer illegal immigrants are trying to cross the border. In these trying times, the grass isn’t always greener on the other…show more content…
In Arizona, the fence has contributed to flooding on both sides of the border, changed the roaming patterns of the area’s native jaguars and destroyed the desert habitats of several bird species, including an endangered quail, according to environmentalists. The building of patrol roads has also decreased the Sonoran pronghorn’s habitat, as the antelope like animal rarely crosses roads, according to a 2006 report from Defenders of Wildlife. The pronghorn’s limited jumping ability also does not allow it to leap over barriers. Altogether, Brian Nowicki, a Center for Biological Diversity conservation biologist says, “30 endangered, threatened, or candidate species live along the U.S.-Mexican border in Arizona and Sonora, 15 in the area where the wall would be built. Moreover, building a wall, along with the roads and support facilities it necessitates, would not only plow under saguaros and other fragile desert plants but scare Sonoran pronghorn and other wildlife from important sources of food and water” (Cohn

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