← Autodidact Archive · Original Dissent · Stigmata
Thread ID: 18405 | Posts: 1 | Started: 2005-05-26
2005-05-26 07:13 | User Profile
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BORDER ENFORCEMENT AND IMMIGRANT DEATHS In an attempt to reduce undocumented migration along the U.S.-Mexico border, in the mid-1990's, the Border Patrol began increasing its forces and implemented a new enforcement strategy that established blockades at traditionally heavy crossing points along the border. The strategy has shifted migrant traffic to more remote and dangerous areas, where the number of border crossing deaths has increased. [url="http://www.cliniclegal.org/content_aborde.shtml#footnote1"][color=#606420]1[/color][/url]
Currently, under the principle of "prevention through deterrence", more than 9,500 border patrol agents operate along traditional crossing paths used by undocumented migrants attempting to cross the U.S.-Mexico Border. By increasing the number of agents along these routes, the Border Patrol hoped to raise the risk of apprehension to the point that it became so difficult and so costly to enter the United States illegally that fewer individuals would make such attempts.
The Border Patrol's strategy was premised on the faulty belief that increased enforcement would lead potential crossers to abandon their attempts to enter illegally, or alternatively, would drive migrants into more remote areas where they could be more easily apprehended. The increased Border Patrol presence has shifted undocumented crossings from urban, traditionally safer routes, to more remote, treacherous areas. As a result, the number of crossing deaths has increased. A study conducted by researchers at the University of Houston documents more than 1,600 possible migrant deaths along the U.S./Mexican border between 1993 and 1997. During FY 1998 (the first year that government began to systematically collect migrant crossing deaths) the U.S. Border Patrol recorded 261 deaths on the southwest border. In FY 2002, the U.S. Border Patrol recorded 320 migrant deaths. These statistics do not cover deaths in Mexico.
The current enforcement strategy fails to recognize the many powerful reasons that drive migrants to the United States. Migrants come to the United States to escape poverty and to search for work that will allow them to provide for their families. Some come to escape political persecution or violence in their home country. Others come to join family legally residing in the United States because our nation's strict immigration laws do not provide them with a mechanism for reuniting with them through legal channels in a timely manner. The U.S. economy is heavily reliant on immigrant workers, including an estimated 5.3 million undocumented workers. [url="http://www.cliniclegal.org/content_aborde.shtml#footnote2"][color=#606420]2[/color][/url] It is difficult to argue that increased enforcement could prevent migration fueled by such strong factors.
Solutions
The current border blockade strategy has proven flawed and should be revisited. However, a broader discussion that includes modifications to our nation's immigration laws and policies must accompany changes in enforcement. This dialogue should include the enactment of an earned [url="http://www.cliniclegal.org/content_alegal.shtml"][color=#0000ff]legalization program[/color][/url], a carefully crafted program that would address the present and future needs of the U.S. economy. [url="http://www.cliniclegal.org/content_aborde.shtml#footnote3"][color=#606420]3[/color][/url] An earned legalization program should accord lawful permanent resident status to undocumented workers already residing and paying taxes in the United States. The program should provide work visas, legal protections, and ultimately lawful permanent residence to future flows of low-skilled immigrant workers. Sufficient immigrant visa numbers should be made available under the law to clear the immigrant visa backlog currently faced by approved beneficiaries of family-based immigrant petitions. In addition, the repeal of the anti-family provisions of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (IRRIRA) should also accompany a legalization program. Legalization and regularized migrant labor flows would significantly reduce the number of migrants who risk their lives while attempting to cross into the United States in order to work. Repeal of our nation's anti-family immigration laws would prevent border crossers from taking perilous risks to reunite with U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents already residing in the United States. [url="http://www.cliniclegal.org/content_aborde.shtml#footnote4"][color=#606420]4[/color][/url]
In the aftermath of September 11th, many policymakers have called for increased enforcement along our nation's borders. The Catholic Church recognizes that heightened national security concerns present great challenges to our nation's treatment of newcomers, but it objects to the human costs of our current enforcement strategy. Catholic tradition recognizes the right and responsibility of a sovereign state to secure its national borders and to manage immigration in furtherance of the "common good", but it also recognizes that such rights do not take precedence over human dignity. [url="http://www.cliniclegal.org/content_aborde.shtml#footnote5"][color=#606420]5[/color][/url]
As Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has stated, "Our elected officials must steer away from a one-dimensional approach toward our border and examine all aspects of national immigration policy, including the legal immigration system, asylum and due process protection laws, and the current treatment of undocumented migrants who enter our country. Ultimately, the nation must thoroughly examine the root causes of undocumented migration and seek long-term solutions, especially in developing the economies of our southern neighbors." [url="http://www.cliniclegal.org/content_aborde.shtml#footnote6"][color=#606420]6[/color][/url]
By intentionally channeling border crossers into dangerous terrain and remote areas, our current enforcement policy devalues human life and reflects poorly on our nation's commitment to human rights. The needless loss of life that has accompanied the enhanced enforcement strategy cries out for changes in Border Patrol policy, as well as a comprehensive review of U.S. policies and laws that drive border crossers to take life-threatening risks to enter the United States. Anything less diminishes our standing as a nation that has long been recognized as a leader in the field of human rights and compromises human dignity.
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