Presidential Budgeting Decisions and Their Impact on Border Security: A Critical Analysis

The recent decisions by President Biden concerning the border wall have sparked numerous conversations and debates, often centered around the effectiveness and necessity of such infrastructure. Understanding these policies requires a nuanced perspective that considers historical context, budgetary impacts, and the underlying causes of migration.

The Context: The Trump administration's border wall

Former President Donald Trump endorsed building a border wall, envisioning it as a towering fortress that would essentially prevent unauthorized cross-border movements. However, based on experience, ladders, shovels, and ladder trucks are all necessary tools to tackle any such project, indicating its conceptual feasibility might have been overestimated.

The wall promised to solve a seemingly intractable issue, but its limitations became starkly evident with natural disasters cutting through the wall, proving that a structure designed with sand and poor planning cannot withstand real conditions.

President Biden's Actions and Reactions

Under Joe Biden, funding for the border wall was halted, and adjustments were made to the existing policies and infrastructure. It is important to note that although President Biden discontinued the original border wall project, construction of new border walls has continued, albeit in different locations and under different designs.

The halt on the original project can be interpreted as a strategic move to prioritize more practical and sustainable solutions. For instance, the Remain in Mexico policy, while controversial, was aimed at addressing the immediate challenges faced by migrants. Its continued use under Title 42 during the pandemic highlights the government's flexibility in addressing urgent issues without committing to long-term, potentially costly infrastructure.

Alternative Solutions and Their Necessity

While infrastructure like walls can provide temporary security, the root causes of migration need to be addressed to find long-term solutions. The ongoing 31 trillion-dollar national debt must be managed wisely, and investing in vanity projects is not a prudent use of funds.

The underlying cause of migration often lies in socio-economic conditions, political instability, and environmental factors. For example, the collapse of regional economies in Central America, exacerbated by global market fluctuations and natural disasters, has created a migratory crisis. Honduras and Guatemala, with their economies heavily dependent on agricultural products like bananas and coffee, have faced severe economic downturns.

Furthermore, historical U.S. policies have often supported unstable regimes and free market policies that can contribute to unstable and impoverished conditions in these countries. For instance, the U.S. supported the United Fruit Company during its reign of questionable labor practices, which likely contributed to the current economic and political landscape.

Proposed Solutions and Their Feasibility

A more effective strategy would involve proactive cooperation with Central American nations to address the root causes. Programs like the one implemented by Mexico in 2019, which aimed to create jobs to reduce the incentive for migration, offer a more sustainable solution. Such trans-national efforts need to be scaled and replicated to meet the needs of other countries facing similar issues.

Furthermore, investing in diversified economies and addressing the global impact of commodities like coffee and bananas can provide a long-term fix. Rather than imposing sanctions or superficial solutions like border walls, engagement that addresses the underlying economic and social issues can be more effective in reducing migratory flows.

Conclusion

While border walls have been a contentious issue, addressing the root causes of migration requires a multifaceted approach that includes economic development, geopolitical stability, and sustainable policies. As the U.S. debates its next steps, it is crucial to consider the long-term impacts and the true causes of the current crisis in the region.

Keywords: border wall, border security, immigration policy