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The Great Fence of Texas
Eric Gay / AP Photo
Turning his attention briefly from Iran, health care, and the economy, the president takes on immigration Thursday. To get an understanding of the debate, The Daily Beast’s Bryan Curtis took a drive along the still-unfinished Texas border fence.
As President Obama convenes his first major White House meeting Thursday to talk about immigration, it’s worth turning your eyes to Texas. That’s where the final 40 miles of the U.S.-Mexico Border Fence, the object of much controversy three years ago, are being constructed. I went to Texas not long ago to see how the fence was working and what clues it offered for what figures to be one of the fiercest political debates in the Obama presidency.
The fence certainly looked impenetrable—that is, until I took a couple steps to the east, where it ended abruptly.
Two things stand out about the border fence. First, after two years of construction, no one has any idea whether it’s a success. And, in an ironic twist, it’s the Democrats, rather than pro-fence Republicans, who now have an incentive to call it one.
Obama’s White House immigration meeting is a mysterious affair. “I don’t know what to expect, exactly,” said Rep. Zoe Lofgren, a Democrat from California who was planning to attend.
There is no public guest list; the veil of secrecy reflects just how delicately Obama is approaching comprehensive immigration reform. To this point, his position, like that of many Democrats, has been “security first”—keep out new undocumented immigrants and then try to create a path to citizenship for the 12 million already in the country.
As I saw in Texas, “security” is harder to pull off than it sounds. The border fence is not a contiguous fence that spans the 1,952-mile U.S.-Mexican border but a 670-mile partial barrier of varying heights, shapes, and materials. As you drive through the South Texas floodplain, you can see the fence rising up to cordon off small towns like Hidalgo and Granjeno, and then disappearing for miles before rising again.
I drove out to a section of the fence south of Donna, Texas, with an anti-fence activist named Scott Nicol. By Texas standards, it wasn’t an unreasonably hot day. We turned south off a farm-to-market road, drove down a dirt path past a sorghum field, and there was the fence, dramatically rising out of the earth. It was picket-style, made of rusted iron bars a few inches apart. It was 18 feet high. Placed next to the crops and tractors, it looked like the Department of Homeland Security had erected an audacious modern art installation.
“It’s like Christo working with an Eastern Bloc budget,” Mark Clark, a Brownsville art gallery owner, had told me.
The fence certainly looked impenetrable—that is, until I took a couple steps to the east, where it ended abruptly. There was nothing there for several hundred feet except a dirt road and irrigation ditch, plenty of room for an immigrant to sneak through. Or the enterprising immigrant could turn west and walk nine-tenths of a mile, where the fence stopped again. Past the western edge of the fence, there was a gap measuring 15 or 20 miles.
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The problem is the Border Patrol. They are a joke and couldnt catch anyone even if they tried
I love the reference to a Christo piece on an Eastern Bloc budget. As an artwork, this fence is right up there with the Statue of Liberty, as an emblem of its time.
And, like the Statue of Liberty, it harkens back to an earlier era. Perhaps one day, little pieces of this "wall" will become iconoclastic, and tourists will venture southward, all across the land to chip off a piece for posterity.
Oh, I know the knuckleheaded Rovians (those who follow the preachings of Karl Rove) will trot out their tired misrepresentations about how our friends from South of the Border are swarming into our land, stealing our watermellons, and women, and that once they get here, go on welfare, social security, and clog up our heath care system with their freeloading ways.
But, then I meet new hispanics, and am reminded once again what a fine race of nice people they are. People of color? Yes. People of heart, and love? Yes!
So, before you castigate an entire bloc of people, before you foolishly categorize them as leeches on our fair system of government and economics, take a look around at what is real.
Rather than build an intermittent wall to keep mostly good, genuine, working people out of our country, we would be better served by putting mostly bad, ingenious, and cunning cutthroats from the world of the Goldman Sachs behind walls.
Yours is the first post I have read that has had anything positive to say about immigration in all the articles that have appeared on this site. I think I am going to faint.
I'm not so sure of the heart and love, at least not universally. Most of the illicit drugs (not just pot which is harmless and grown here anyway, I mean the hard stuff like black tar heroin, meth and cocaine) comes from south of the border. About 10% of our prison population is illegal immigrants (while they are only about 3% of our total population) and since immigration has taken off wages have dropped precipitously for low skill jobs year after year.
They also put in less then a third in taxes (the few that pay taxes) then they take out in education and health services. It is a net drag on our economy outside a handful of sectors that could be covered by a guest worker program when needed.
The problem here is that the fence is still intermittent. There need to be tribal agreements and property agreements that finish it, make it continuous. The cost of illegal immigration in social services over one year, tens of billions of dollars, would build the fence across the whole border several times over.
The standard of living of lower class Americans will never improve until the supply of cheap, illegal labor is cut off. There needs to be heavy employer sanctions including jail for hiring illegals thrown into the mix plus required use of electronic employment eligibility verification databases.
There are already many law enforcement measures in place in regard to illegal immigrants. Border Patrol , DHS, Sheriffs Depts. etc. etc. What more can your government do for you? Your cost of illegal immigraton cited is absurd and dishonest. So no heart and love for you.
As far as the "hard" drug, methamphetamine, most of that is cooked right here in this country, a good deal of it in Texas.
No, my opposition to immigration on this scale is not to protect my watermelons and women, it's more nuanced than that. I know we get the ambitious ones coming up, and that's one thing I like about it. But they're coming here because Mexico is messed up, and if too many come then I believe they will bring the habits of messed-up-ness with them in sufficient numbers to, well, kill the goose that laid the golden egg. They can keep coming, but slower, learn English, and become Americans, rather than staying Mexicans.
There's much about their culture I like (family life, the arts) but the civili system has a long tradition of being messed up. We've got enough bad habits already.
Well, the situation isn't as idealistic as you describe either. Why aren't the Mexican people demanding more of their government instead of ours? That question never seems to be asked, at least not by the media.
The Mexican government is a fully functioning government that serves its' people. Do we really have to have another conversation about the history of immigration in this country? People come here to either work or work and make a new life here. Not to make demands on the US government. And who says that the supposed 11 or 13 million people who are here all want to become US citizens? Nobody ever asks that question.
"The Mexican government is a fully functioning government that serves its' people." -cbeenthere
I hope you're kidding. Mexico is embroiled in a massive Civil/Drug War. The last election was stolen so blatantly as to make 2000 look kindergarten. Campesinos trying to better their communities are being slaughtered. Teachers trying to better their communities are being slaughtered. The Federales are so corrupt as to be unreadable in their loyalties. For the most part they are working for both sides from the middle in an attempt to survive. Fully functioning government . . . ? Survey says:
http://www.wtte28.com/template/inews_wire/wires.international/35bb6bea-w ww.wtte28.com.shtml
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=105899938
http://www.wtte28.com/template/inews_wire/wires.international/35bb6bea-w ww.wtte28.com.shtml
Mexico's in shambles; the result of NAFTA and America's benightedly ignorant stance on legalizing drugs. It's another case of frelling the World on behalf of the corporotocracy.
-Fathom
We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty. We must remember always that accusation is not proof and that conviction depends upon evidence and due process of law. We will not walk in fear, one of another. We will not be driven by fear into an age of unreason, if we dig deep in our history and our doctrine, and remember that we are not descended from fearful men -- not from men who feared to write, to speak, to associate and to defend causes that were, for the moment, unpopular. -- Edward R. Murrow, March 9, 1954
"The Stone Age didn't end because of a shortage of stones: the oil age won't end because of a shortage of oil." -- Sheik Yemani, Saudi OPEC Minister
You read what you want to read. I have lived there. I would never interpret Edward R. Murrow the way you have, your post is full of fear and rumor. And as far as the Saudi quote: what the hell is that?? Fathom I cannot.
And ps the fistfight they had in their congress in Mexico City over the election was great kindergarten. Sorry you missed it in person.
Fathom
I also want you to know that I considered your sources.
1. PBS also did an extensive series on the financial meltdown in the US. The US government is still functioning in spite of this crisis, or is that just kidding, or only not functioning when it suits you to say so.
2. Fox News International now you've got to be kidding.
Thanks anyway.
who will say in 30 years time "tear down that wall"
one world, baby!
The key there is reciprocity. Compare the rights that Mexico grants foreigners to the ones we are asked to grant to foreigners here. It is as though you say, "One world, baby!", but in practice it means that your neighbor can come to your house whenever he wants, sleep in your beds, rifle your refrigerator, etc., but you can't even pick up a pecan from his lawn.
"Reciprocity, baby!"
Btw, for the poster above who said that "Mexico has a fully functioning government that serves its people": It's impossible to take seriously anything said after that.
Not I
Hey Hockeydog, Karl Rove was one of the engineers behind Bush's policy of looking the other way on our southern borders. He credited Bush's inaction to him winning in 2004, and blamed the republicans' hard stand on ILLEGAL immigration in the last couple of years of Bush's Presidency as to why McCain lost in 2008. ILLEGAL immigration is a political football used by BOTH parties at the expense of the American taxpayer. As to the wall, I believe it's a government project and like ALL government projects, will drag on for years at quadruple the cost. Hey, let's get them to run our healthcare system, too!
We have no choice but to put up a fence, put up lots of surveillance and protect ourselves from drug-dealing thugs and unknown intruders. The social security system is going to be bankrupt for those of us who contributed and that's bad enough. We can't take on the whole world.
How's it working so far?
I think we have immigration laws that need to be enforced, and should be changed when/if that is necessary to meet the needs of the peole of the USA, not those that want to come here.
Also, I want to break the well kept secret that the fence is supposedly designed to keep Americans from escaping to Mexico. But Americans are too smart for that; we know how to dig tunnels!
Whatever.
I'd much rather have Mexican immigrants than republicans...
Maybe we can do a swap with mexico...
one republican for every immigrant...
Republicans have already gone to Mexico and bought up the land cheap, and are now willing to sell it to Democrats at a huge markup, and an even bigger markup to sell it back to the Mexicans.
Republican wouldn't have bought it... emminent domaine... steal it...
and the Mexicans don't want it back... they want California, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona back....
Maui420L said,
"Republican wouldn't have bought it... emminent (sic) domaine (sic) ... steal it...
and the Mexicans don't want it back... they want California, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona back...."
There are different ways to look at that. First, the Mexicans stole the Southwest from the Indians -- more accurately, tried to steal the Southwest from the Indians but were defeated. The Americans who emigrated into the area and eventually annexed the land to the U.S. subsequently gave huge tracts over to Indian sovereignty -- something the Mexicans would never have done, btw.
A second way to look at it is, Why stop with just the border states? Spanish claims -- which the Mexicans inherited regarding the border states -- also included Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Kansas, and Missouri. ("New Madrid", Missouri, was named to honor the Spanish government which granted the land to American settlers.) So, the Texans, New Mexicans, Arizonans, and Californians have a right to ask: Why of all the former Hispanic claims are we the only ones forced to "repatriate"?
And, so long as we are at it, doesn't Canada have some claims?
Romeo
You have shown you know zero about Mexico or its history, or how they treat foreigners. When you have something to express other than fear of the foreign, then say it. Your posts make you appear to be so, well, uneducated even tho you try to throw some long ago recalled nonsense around, it doesn't work for those in the know. PS You lack ability to understand nuance, and it is such a nuanced world today. Best of luck
Oh, but Republicans have bought land in Mexico, and they are living a very nice retirement and spending their social security there. So eat your heart out.
Maui
What do you mean they want the southwest back? I thought you liked Hispanics.
Then 30 years later, the illegal immigration problem will reverse direction.
But then who would pay for all the freeloaders?
We have a right to secure borders. Simple as that...
You actually think this is going to secure our borders...
how nieve... we have been unable to stop drugs into this country for
4 decades and you think a little fence is going to stop people from sneaking in... the Berlin wall couldn't keep people from escaping...
and as water, food and oil disappear in third world countries it will get worst...
Europe is being flooded with people from Afrika...
this is all part of Roves, Bush's and Chaneys open borders, one currency, with Canada, Mexico and US... to this day they are actively planning their return to the WH to finnish their distruction of the US...
They planned for 9/11 in 1999 via Project for a New American Century to control the World...
If people would just read instead of uttering "talking points" of propaganda news TV they would have a better idea of the real world and the issues that seriously threaten the US... Lack of clean water worldwide, food crisis, etc...
Ok.
Here is my talking point for you- put down the conspiracy books.
Time to take your pill, Maui
Yes, if we had enemies at the gate. We are bordered by friendly neighbors. We don't know how lucky we are.
The problem with illegal immigration is a total lack of accountability. Without documentation, persons who are criminals, persons who need assistance, persons who ought to be paying taxes all fall through the cracks.
I make no argument about the reasons people immigrate to the US and the reasons that they come illegally.
It is simply critical both to our infrastructure and our security to account for the majority of persons living and working in the US.
Dunno about that fence though.
If it really does funnel illegal immigrants into corridors where they can be picked up, or rescued if necessary, maybe.
Otherwise, seems like a big waste of money better spent on infrared, satellite and laser technology and more border patrol officers to monitor the border.
and with all the bruhaha over how the 2010 census will be taken, will they actually ask households if they are here legally? i doubt it, it would not be PC
Not to worry DHS is going to ask them when they go to jail if they are here legally or not. Captive audience. After all, isn't that, according to popular belief where they all end up and where they all belong. So your tax dollars are at work rooting out the "illegals". You should be proud and relieved.
Enough with this "Worldwide Alienation". America was born from Immigration. Which of the the founders came to America with a Visa, Green Card or Passport? People have to understand that there was a major transsition worldwide once the Industrial Revolution began to take place, Indians were simply at a disadvantage. People from around the world came to America to Settle, Succeed, Escape persecution, and famine. Mexicans didnt just fall from some Space ship, they are GOOD PEOPLE who one day hope to pay up this infinite debt of trust and values. You can Spit on there face all you like they are used to it already. Still they come here with hope and they come strong. I see it in there faces everyday. Those 12 million given a chance will Succeed, and God knows they will..............................God Bless America.
can you say MUSHROOM CLOUD?
And so, the compromise:
1) Rewrite laws making immigration procedures
equitable and enforcible.
2) Secure the border through cost-effective measures
3) Welcome in our new neighbors and
provide means and incentives for acculturation
4) Enjoy the diversification of our pluralistic society including the cognitive benefits of bilingualism and the economic benefits of a highly motivated and reasonably skilled workforce.
Excellent. We need to dump the 535.
When we get around to holding our own convention
and writing a platform, yours is a great
immigration plank
Lets see: 200,00 delegates X
$200 per delegate delegate fee = 40 million ducats.
Enough to hold the convention and
Pay for delegates entertainment (Bob Dylan, Bruce, Mick,
Tina Turner, . . . all the great players will come)
So all day long we officially ratify the platform
all night long we celebrate and while we are at it
when we aren't ratifying the platform we write in advance
and post on our pre-convention web site
We nominate 535 candidates for every seat in both houses!
That is the michaelslevinson.com plan to topple
the existing order of liars in public places (play siz).
Sampling the tiquila
rapierwits -
sounds good to me.
Think any of our elected leaders will go for it?
Or is it too reasonable for either side to support?
The only question I have for you people--have any of you actually seen the fence besides the author of this article? As a person living on the US/ Mexico border, the fence was quite an understaking and I have mixed feelings on it in general. I believe it has reduced the number of drive-by smuggling runs greatly and for that alone, I am grateful. Yet, I still see the crossers running through the fence. Yes, they cut the fence and pull open a section and go through. I don't get that--I had hoped we would be on the way to a better method for immigration but alas, not yet. And then the reports from just over the line about the drug lords and their large amounts of drugs that come through all the time. What to say?
Immigration again. Those ugly, dark skinned, Spanish speaking, dirty, criminal, savage, unintelligent, unable to learn English, welfare-recipient, ugly Hispanic immigrants again. How dare them come to America? I am sorry, I have to apologize because I am one of those undesirables. My husband is one also. I moved from Peru when I was 17 years old and my husband moved from Cuba when he was 15. We did learn English. My husband enlisted in the US Army twelve years ago as a green card holder. He has been deployed to Iraq three times, has gotten his college degree, has become an American citizen and is now an Army officer. I have also become an American citizen and the 11th of May I graduated from college. I am an elementary teacher certified to teach in the state of Texas. Don't worry the government didn't pay for it. I payed for it with student loans. We have a six year old daughter but don't worry, we pay $600 a month for her private school. After studying to become a public teacher, observing public teachers teach, and going through student teaching, I would not dare send her to a public school. And don't worry because we know we are not wanted here. My husband will serve this country for about 10 more years. I will work as a teacher and pay off my debt. When he retires we will move back to Peru. Three less undesirable Hispanic immigrants to worry about.
How much did this fence cost, and what purpose is it achieving? Too much and too little.
Thank you.
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