20 Foot Fence

On my travels from Weslaco, Texas to Nuevo Progreso, Mexico I was introduced to the latest means of preventing illegal immigrants from entering the United States. At first sight, a million thoughts raced through my head. One day later, I am still perplexed.

The Rio Grande River constitutes the entire Texas-Mexico border. Traditionally, the international border has been guarded by fences, armed border agents, and video survelliance. In 2006, the United States federal government passed the Secure Fence Act. This legislative bill permitted the construction of a 1,100 kilometre fence along strategic areas of the US-Mexico border "prone to illegal immigration". I recall hearing of this development a few years ago in the news, however, never visualized or considered the consequences. This changed on the trip to Nuevo Progreso yesterday.

The United States has begun construction of the double-reinforced fence in Texas. The fence will consist of a two 20 foot segments: (a) 20 ft cement wall below the surface of the ground and (b) a 20 ft high fence above ground. As we approached the Rio Grande River/international border an obtrusive structure rises from what appears to be a levee. The levee, upon further investigate is the 20 ft cement wall undergound. The start of the 20 ft fence extends like fingers from the ground. The wall is no where near completion, however, this didn't stop my mind from racing between thoughts. Accordin to President George W. Bush, "This bill will help protect the American people. This bill will make our borders more secure. It is an important step toward immigration reform" Understanding the need for immigration reform, I am not sure a 20 foot fence will reform the immigration system.