Why the U.S. Didn't Build a Wall on the Southern Border: Debunking the Myths
The idea of building a wall on the southern border of the United States has been a contentious topic for years. However, multiple factors and misrepresentations have led to a significant misunderstanding of the situation. In this article, we will clarify some common misconceptions and discuss the reasons behind the absence of a comprehensive border wall.
Myth 1: Mexico Built a Wall Along Its Southern Border
One common myth is that Mexico has built a wall all along its southern border. This claim is false. Here is a picture of the border between Mexico and Guatemala:
The border between Mexico and Guatemala is marked in some areas with cleared trees and markers, but most of it is jungle and mountains. As someone who has crossed the border from Guatemala to Mexico and Belize to Mexico multiple times, I can assure you there is no wall there. Moreover, an article completely debunks this myth.
Myth 2: Walls Were Implanted but Abandoned
While it is true that the U.S. attempted to build a border wall, several reasons have led to it not being fully implemented. One significant factor is the intervention of 'demonicrat' politicians who halted construction. For instance, Barack Obama, Biden, and other politicians like Pelosi, Schumer, and Nadler, who are often labeled as 'demonicrats', took power and prevented the wall from being completed.
Myth 3: Walls Do Not Work and Are Easily Defeated
Walls are often considered ineffective and easily defeated. One example is Israel's 'Iron Wall' with Gaza, which consists of 25-30-foot double fences, a no-go zone, and underground concrete barriers. Despite these defenses, it can still be defeated. In the case of the U.S. border, walls don't stop the flow of people; they merely channel it to other areas. This is particularly evident in the parts of the wall that have been constructed but have since been compromised.
Myth 4: A Wall Would Solve Immigration Problems
Proponents of a border wall often argue that it would stop undocumented immigrants. However, this view is flawed. Migration is driven by push and pull factors, such as economic conditions, political instability, and social factors. Physical barriers like walls do not address these underlying issues. For example, England and Italy have physical barriers such as the English Channel and the Mediterranean, yet they still face significant migration issues. Similarly, a wall would not effectively deter people from entering the U.S.
Myth 5: Specific Parts of the Wall Were Washed Away
A specific incident involving part of the wall falling in Arizona after rainfall raises doubts about its effectiveness. This incident highlighted the challenges of building and maintaining a comprehensive border wall in a region with irregular and intense rainfall. However, solutions like leaving gates open in areas prone to erosion have been implemented to counter this issue.
Conclusion: Alternative Solutions to Address Border Issues
While a border wall is a symbol of security, it's not the only solution. Instead of focusing on a comprehensive wall, the U.S. government and policymakers should address the root causes of migration. These include improving economic conditions in countries of origin, strengthening diplomatic relations, and providing alternatives for legal migration. Building a wall across the entire southern border would be a 'clown solution' that fails to address the underlying issues.
Additional Resources
For more information on the topic, you may want to explore the following resources:
Debunking the Myth: Mexico’s Border Wall The Fallacy of the Border Wall Addressing Migration: Beyond the Border Wall