The United States-Mexican Border Fence Controversy:How Will It Affect the Valley?
n 2006 the “Secure Fence Act” was passed by the Congress and signed by the President to create a 700 mile fence between the United States and Mexico. Since the law was passed it has never been completely funded. Although construction has been started in some areas including the Valley, many have complained that individuals and institutions will be unfairly affected. The fence is seen to course right through the campus of the University of Texas at Brownsville. Some have claimed favortism has occured to wealthy land owners and at least one golf course on the border.
In August of 2007, pollster Scott Rasmussen reported that 56 % of Americans favored the fence and 31 % were against its construction. Many have argued that we need securer borders to protect our national security and prevent damaging illegal immigration while others have argued that this will only serve to isolate the two countries resulting in damage to trade.
Does the Valley need this fence? What will be the effect on the Valley economy if border security becomes too aggressive?
