Memorandum on U.S. Policy on Border Security

MEMORANDUM

TO: Donald Trump, President of the United States

CC: Kirstjen M. Nielsen, Secretary of Homeland Security 

FROM: Hedvig Blanco, Student        

DATE: March 11, 2018

SUBJECT: U.S. Policy on Border Security

I.              Introduction

The United States immigration issue was quickly identified as a top priority during Donald Trump’s presidential campaign. As identified by President Trump adopting an immigration system geared towards serving the national interest appears to be key. To secure our border President Trump is committed to building a wall and ensuring the removal of illegal immigrants. Nonetheless, while responsible immigration reform can secure our borders and secure our communities, other factors such as diplomacy must also be considered.

II.            Context

The importance of border security is defined by the Department of Homeland Security as: “Protecting our borders from the illegal movement of weapons, drugs, contraband, and people, while promoting lawful entry and exit". The Department of Homeland Security also deems the aforementioned essential to homeland security, economic prosperity, and national sovereignty. Recent polls show overwhelming support for President Trump’s immigration policies. According to polls released by the White House 62% of voters believe current border security is inadequate and 57% of voters support “building a combination of physical and electronic barriers across the U.S.-Mexico border”. In another poll, conducted by Quinnipiac University, 60% of Americans oppose building a wall along the border with Mexico, while 37% support it.

Now, while it is possible that a wall will decrease the number of weapons, drugs and people coming into the U.S. a physical barrier between Mexico and the U.S. is not the only mechanism that can achieve this. When considering a project of this magnitude we must also consider all effects the wall will have both positive and negative. That being said, we must determine what the wall means for U.S. relations with Mexico. Trump is known to be aggressive in order to put “America First” and is known for little compromise. Unfortunately, this kind of confrontational approach and claiming Mexico will pay for the wall has led Mexico to be more uncooperative. This tension has led to canceled meetings between President Peña Nieto and President Trump. When issues like these arise it is important to consider how the other country perceives ones actions. In this case they can best be described as hostile.  

III.         Solution

The U.S. and Mexico have reached a critical point on this border security issue and thus my solution would be to have both nations work together to ensure the security of its citizens and economic progress on both sides of the border.

IV.          Implementation

Understanding that border security is of equal importance to both countries is crucial. Immigration from Mexico itself has decreased significantly in the past couple of years. Now a days most of the immigrants apprehended at the border are from Central American countries that come up through Mexico. Thus, on the macro level the U.S. and Mexico need to jointly address the issue in Central America so the issue doesn’t flow up into Mexico and the U.S. 

I would like to further discuss these recommendations with you in the near future and to suggest a meeting between both countries where the mindset is that there exists a common issue and thus both countries have the same goal.