The borders are not a problem to be solved or a threat to be secured, it is a unique geographic space.  Our nation's borders are gateways for travel and commerce.  They should be recognized as opportunities for economic prosperity and international exchange.  The role of DHS at the border should fundamentally focus on managing the borders as a gateway to the U.S., where the trade and international ties that keep this country running are encouraged and facilitated.

Along those lines, surely draft goal number 2, regarding travel and commerce, is the most important of all these goals, and should if nothing else be listed first.  Also missing in the mission vision statement and goals is any awareness that millions of Americans live on the borders of our country.  Their lives and livelihoods must be protected and considered as part of border policy.

Why the contribution is important

The border regions must be recognized as an equal part of America, with economic opportunities and gateways for travel and commerce, rather than a problem to be solved or a militarized buffer zone.  Six million Americans live in border counties in the Southwest alone.  The power and violence of Mexican cartels, the crisis of immigration law, the confusion of international trade regulations, these are problems to be solved.  The border is a geographic space, not a policy problem, especially for the millions of people for whom that space is home.

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Votes so far:

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2.6 (13 votes - averaged)
deannaessert
Posted by deannaessert September 01, 2009 at 05:06PM
I believe local law enforcement should contribute to solving the border problems of immigration, drug infiltration etc.
tprovince
Posted by tprovince September 01, 2009 at 06:12PM
The borders are a vulnerability in risk assessment terms. The vulnerability has to be mitigated to reduce risk and facilitate safe and secure commerce. Ignoring the existence of the threats that would take advantage of the vulnerabilities of an open border would be foolish.
ny2tx
Posted by ny2tx September 01, 2009 at 06:27PM
We are entitled to secure borders as are other countries. I believe when we do secure our borders, we can address the other issues. Securing our borders will help eliminate drug trafficking, human smuggling, and knowing who is here.
jcharron
Posted by jcharron September 01, 2009 at 09:16PM
International commerce is a necessity to any country. However, we cannot leave our borders wide open to smugglers whether they be in the drug, human or arms trading. The Super Highway plan would be disasterous to this country as long as law enforcement personnel have their hands tied as they currently do. Why is the Border Patrol being hindered? Why can't they do the job they are trained to do? Why is Mexico dictating to Washington concerning our border enforcement? Too many questions and not enough answers.
american121
Posted by american121 September 02, 2009 at 08:00AM
Securing the border must be the first step in curbing illegal immigration and ensuring that we know who and who non-Americans are coming into our country. Illegal immigration is a leach on American resources and Congress is constantly throwing our our hard earned dollars to undeserving individuals. Illegal immigrants have been responsible for the death of Houston Finest and assaults on property and individual security. Stop the flow across the border and then begin deporting illegals by making employment in the U. S. A. illegal. Then prosecute companies who hire illegal immigrants with substantial fines and restrictions on their businesses that encourage compliance. Close the border to illegal immigration. What ever you spend will save America and put Americans back to work.
strawberry
Posted by strawberry September 05, 2009 at 05:34PM
The border is not the problem for migrants crossing from Mexico into the U.S. The problem is NAFTA. The U.S., Mexico and Canada governments need to severely alter the components that are causing thousands of small farms in Mexico to go out of business which in turn leaves many Mexicans out of work and unable to feed their families. Migration to the U.S. results in order to find work. The U.S. border with Mexico is now a militarized zone that has not limited the number of migrants crossing. It is only a speed bump on their journey north. If the U.S. takes the money it is spending to "secure" the border and instead provides micro-credit loans to small businesses in Mexico, Mexican families will see more money in their pockets and will not migrant to the U.S.
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