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 Editorials | Opinions | October 2006 
Let's Work with Mexico on Fixing Border Issues
 Oscar J. Martínez - Arizona Daily Star
| | On immigration, we need to acknowledge that both countries are responsible for the creation and institutionalization of the northward human flow. |
Sealing the border with a gigantic wall would be exorbitantly expensive and would not stop undocumented migration. With or without such a barrier, poor Mexicans will continue to enter the United States as long as their economy is unable to produce enough good jobs.
So how can the anxiety of Americans concerning immigration and border security be alleviated? If a wall is not the answer, where do we go from here?
First, if we want real solutions we need to change our approach. We need to stop using the border as a political football and we need to stop acting unilaterally on issues that concern both countries. We need to acknowledge partial responsibility for border problems. It is in our best interest to work with Mexico and not against it.
Let's try using serious, good-faith diplomacy for a change. Let's recognize that we need Mexico to resolve the immigration problem and to fight terrorism. Let's be willing to meet our neighbors halfway in formulating solutions to border challenges.
On immigration, we need to acknowledge that both countries are responsible for the creation and institutionalization of the northward human flow. In reality, Mexican immigration is a product of longstanding interdependence and integration between the two economies. The United States has certainly benefited from that relationship.
It makes good sense for the United States to create a workable guest-worker program and to make more visas for legal residency available to Mexicans. Americans should understand that large-scale migrations from Mexico will not last forever. With Mexico's rapidly declining birthrates, the desired economic-population equilibrium in that country will be reached in perhaps two decades. At that time, few Mexicans will have a need to migrate to the United States.
On border security, the United States needs to think differently about how to best stop potential terrorists from entering the country through Mexico. A wall at the border will not stop folks who wish to do us harm because they will be able to go over, around, through and under it.
The wall will also offend and alienate ordinary Mexicans and officials, and they will be less inclined to assist us with terrorism control. We absolutely need Mexico's cooperation in keeping terrorists from distant lands out of Mexican territory, where they can then make their way to the United States.
One thing we could do is work closely with Mexico to safeguard its airports, seaports and coastlines. In addition, we could propose to Mexico that it consider establishing a "security line" along the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, the narrowest stretch of land (125 miles) in that country. It is infinitely easier to monitor a 125-mile corridor than a 2,000-mile one. Checkpoints in Southern Mexico would greatly facilitate the interception of potential terrorists traveling north via Central America toward the United States.
Addressing immigration and security problems with Mexico's full-fledged participation makes much more sense than building a flawed border wall that will only make matters worse. Let's be smart. Let's construct a true, fair, respectful and mutually beneficial relationship with Mexico that will produce genuine solutions to border problems.
Oscar J. Martínez is the author of several books about the U.S.-Mexican borderlands, including "Troublesome Border." |
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