The solution to illegal immigration and cross border violence must be a combination of policy and procedures that encompass promoting economic development in Mexico as well as physical security and immigration reform.  We have no idea how many illegals are in this country and more fences, sensors and agents will not stem the tide unless we address the underlying problems that result in economic migration. 

After discussing this issue with a member of the Heritage Foundation, I am absolutely amazed that no one understands or even wants to address the economic development of Mexico as part of an integrated solution to controlling our borders.  I believe that the DHS and other agencies of the federal and state governments s hould take a hard look at this as a centerpiece of fixing illegal immigration.  The past efforts that have used amnesty and employer penalties have never worked and never will work unless we address the root causes.

 The Mexican government has corruption issues  that has allowed the cross border drug trade to florish but so does the Afghan and Iraqi governments and that certainly hasn't  stopped  us from engaging.   We have a huge trade imbalance with China and we would be far better served if we could shift trade over to Mexico.   The Chinese have significant corruption problems as well, not to mention a lack of respect for international law for things like intellectual property and freedom of speech amongst other issues.    The recent revelations about tainted food products and poor quality control of manufacturing processes do not surprise me in the least.  Their espionage apparatus in this country is aggressive and pervasive.  They are not our friends and will seek advantage in any way possible.  I suggest reading Sun Tzu's "Art of War."   

Mexico on the other hand is an ally and trading partner.  We have a treaty with Mexico and therefore the basic mechanism is already in place to promote the creation of jobs on their side of the border.   Many other countries including Germany and Japan already make a number of products for the North American market in Mexico.  Many US companies operate there already as well.  We simply need to engage the Mexicans on an equal basis as trade partners and work together for our mutual benefit.   It will not be easy but in the long run it is the only thing that has a chance of succeeding.  Along with economic development there must be a well regulated and enforced guest worker program and a national ID system that allows us to track who belongs here.   

 Fences and rhetoric will not control the southern border.   Hiring more agents and employing advanced technology to improve surveillance of the border will help but will not solve the problem.  The idea that more walls and fences will get the job done is just shy of a joke.  If we give Mexicans a reason to stay home most of them well.  That will allow us to handle those who come to work where we need them and allow us a better shot at stopping the bad guys. 

Our southern border is out of control.  Not only do we have to contend with illegal immigration for economic reasons, we have to deal with the illegal drug trade, cross border violence and the possibility of terrorists using the southern border as an easy way to gain access to targets in the US.

There must be an integrated approach to address the issues drugs, terrorism and jobs.  We can’t solve one and not address the others.  The economic and social well being of this country depends on our ability to control who gets into this country.  There are cross cutting issues that deal with everything from health care, education unemployment and national security that are at risk unless we act decisively and pursue a mutually beneficial solution with the government of Mexico.