Texas’ Immigration Policy as a Contemporary Issue

Introduction

The United States has always been a country of immigrants, where people come from all over the world in search of a better life. It has always welcomed immigrants, but the current policy regarding immigration raises concerns about whether to build a wall along the border of Texas and Mexico or not. The wall is supposed to prevent people from entering the country illegally, although it has not been very effective as many people have managed to cross past the wall (Nowrasteh, Andrew & Michelangelo). The US government is now trying to organize how to make the wall more effective. Some people perceive the wall as a waste of money, while other Americans perceive the wall as necessary to prevent people from coming into the country illegally. The US government initiated the changes to this policy to minimize illegal immigrants, but the Texas government does not believe that this will be effective. They only believe that the wall will further divide the two countries as opposed to resolving illegal immigration.

Reasons for Initiating Changes

Several options could be considered to resolve the immigration policy issue. Firstly, the US government could continue to build the wall and resolve the immigration policy issue because the wall would provide a physical barrier between the US and Mexico, making it difficult for people to cross it illegally (Nowrasteh). The wall would also indicate the seriousness of the US regarding its immigration policy. However, the wall would be expensive to build, which would raise questions about its effectiveness and the maintenance of good relations between the countries. Secondly, the US government can work with the Texas government to find a way to secure the border without building a wall. This could involve increasing border patrols, using technology to monitor the border, and increasing cooperation with the Mexican government. This option would be less expensive than building a wall and would not damage relations between the US and Mexico. However, it would not provide the same level of security as a wall and would also not send the same message about the immigration policy of the US.

Policy Options to be Considered

The illegal immigration of people into the United States has been a source of contention for many years, although there are some pros associated with it. Some Americans believe that building a wall along the southern border of the country will help to reduce the number of illegal immigrants in the US. The Texas government has been working to secure the border between the United States and Mexico without building a wall (Garrett p.4). This plan would involve the use of technology, such as drones, to patrol the border and the use of sensors to detect illegal immigration. Conversely, the Mexican government has tried to improve security at its southern border, stopping the flow of drugs and other illegal items into the United States. In both cases, the Texas government believes that these plans would be more effective in preventing people than a wall would be.

Pros and Cons of Each Option

There are several reasons why people may favor building a wall along the US-Mexico border. Visa overstays have surpassed unlawful border crossings in recent years and therefore, the wall will also reduce the number of immigrants who overstay their visas by making it more difficult to enter the border illegally. The wall is also predicted to have a good economic impact because it will offer jobs for construction workers while also making it more difficult for illegal immigrants to get work (Nowrasteh). The economy has been hampered by illegal immigration, which is projected to be reduced by the wall. Ultimately, if people are caught trying to enter the country illegally, they are likely to face severe penalties. This could help to discourage people from even trying to enter the country illegally in the first place.

Building the wall can create a physical barrier that would further cause division and hatred instead of solving the underlying problems that lead to illegal immigration. Many people come to the US in search of a better life and the wall would not solve that problem (Garrett, p.4). The wall would also not address the issue of people who flee from violence and persecution in their home countries, it may not stop people from entering the US but would only make it more difficult and dangerous. There is also a high cost that would be incurred in building and maintaining the wall instead of spending the finances on other initiatives that would be more effective in addressing the issue (Garrett, p.4). Working with the Texas government to find a way to secure the border without building a wall may take longer than expected in finding an effective solution. However, it may take even longer if the federal government and the Texas government disagree and they need to find a solution acceptable to both sides.

Recommended Course of Action and Reasons

The recommended course of action for the US government is to work with the Texas government to find a way to secure the border without building a wall. There are many different stakeholders involved in illegal immigration, including the federal government, state and local governments, private organizations, and individuals. Each of these groups has different needs and concerns that must be considered in developing a plan of action (Eastman & Skogberg). The US government should collaborate with the Texas government to develop a plan that would be more effective in preventing illegal immigration without damaging the relations between the two countries. The US government could tighten security at legal points of entry into the country by increasing the number of border patrol agents and funding for technology and infrastructure at the border. Additionally, the US government could work with the Mexican government to improve security and economic conditions in Mexico by supporting and providing financial assistance to the Mexican government to help them improve their economy. These options would be more effective in preventing people from coming into the country illegally and maintaining good relations between the two countries.

Conclusion

Illegal immigration is a problem in Texas because it affects many different people and organizations. The federal government is responsible for enforcing immigration laws and setting policies while the state and local governments are responsible for providing services to residents, including those who are here illegally. To develop a plan of action, it is important to consult with all of the stakeholders to get their input. The plan should be designed to reduce the number of illegal immigrants in Texas, while also providing support and assistance to those who are already here. It should be realistic and achievable and should have the support of all of the stakeholders. If the proposals and immigration policy difficulties are addressed, an amicable solution can be achieved. This indicates that the two countries’ conflict will be lessened, hence creating a peaceful environment in which Americans and Mexicans can freely interact.

Works Cited

Eastman, Cari Lee Skogberg. “Shaping the immigration debate.” Shaping the Immigration Debate. Lynne Rienner Publishers, 2022.

Garrett, Terence. “Border Security and Immigration Policy Management in South Texas by the Numbers: Perception, Stories, and the Knowledge Analytic.” Public Voices 17.1 (2020): 4.

Nowrasteh, Alex. “Criminal immigrants in Texas.” Immigration Research and Policy Brief 4 (2018).

Nowrasteh, Alex, Andrew Forrester, and Michelangelo Landgrave. “Illegal immigration and crime in Texas.” (2020).