The Biden administration’s decision to construct a new section of the border wall is disappointing not only because it contradicts a campaign promise but also because physical barriers represent a return to the policy responses of the Trump era. This week’s news about the project in a rural area along the Texas-Mexico border is particularly upsetting because it contrasts sharply with the solutions needed for the current challenges in the US immigration system.
High walls often fail to deter desperate migrants and asylum seekers from attempting to reach the US, leaving those who cross at a higher risk of injury and death. The renewed border wall construction has faced swift and intense backlash, with critics describing it as a “14th century solution to a 21st-century problem” and highlighting environmental concerns and negative impacts on local communities.
For national immigration advocates, this move is another letdown, showcasing a disregard for human dignity within an already broken immigration system. The chaotic situation at the US-Mexico border, coupled with the absence of legislative reforms, has led to concerning policies, including presuming eligibility based on arrival methods and fast-tracked deportations for asylum seekers.
The convoluted policies and barriers in place demonstrate that more walls are not the answer to the US immigration policy’s needs. Despite various restrictions, the number of migrant encounters at the border remains high, emphasizing the inadequacy of current strategies. Calls for a comprehensive approach involving Democrats and Republicans, expanding processing capacity at official ports of entry, and creating safer pathways for immigration underscore the urgent need for reform in the immigration system. Ultimately, bipartisan cooperation is crucial to addressing border security, improving the legal immigration system, and offering permanent solutions for individuals already contributing to society while facing legal uncertainties.
Source: The Guardian
