Describe The Challenges Faced By US Customs And Border Prote ✓ Solved

Describe the challenges faced by US Customs and Border Protection

Respond to the following short essay questions based on the course materials presented for weeks 1-4. Prepare and submit your midterm assessment in a Microsoft Word document. Each response should be in your own words, with minimal quotes properly cited, and formatted in Times New Roman (Font 12). Respond to the following five questions, stating the topic question followed by your response, with two paragraphs for each question:

  1. Describe the challenges faced by US Customs and Border Protection agents attempting to secure the border. Be sure to include: What is the functional equivalent of the border? What is the Fourth amendment exception as it pertains to border searches? How are seizure statistics used to justify the mission of border security?
  2. Explain "open markets and closed borders" as it pertains to smuggling, free trade, and border enforcement.
  3. What are the challenges of facilitating legal border crossings while maintaining secure borders?
  4. What has been the economic impact of terrorism on U.S. and Global Markets since 9/11?
  5. Describe the impact of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) agreements on cross-border trade in North America.

Share your own thoughts in your own words in completing this assignment.

Paper For Above Instructions

1. Challenges Faced by US Customs and Border Protection Agents

The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents confront a multitude of challenges in their mission to secure the U.S. borders. One significant challenge is managing the extensive border territory, which includes land, air, and maritime areas. The "functional equivalent of the border" refers to certain areas where customs enforcement is applied as though they were the actual border, such as international airports or border checkpoints. This concept underscores the jurisdiction of CBP to conduct searches and seizures in these areas. As an example, airports serve as crucial checkpoints where CBP performs inspections of travelers and goods, highlighting the complexities of enforcing border security on both land and air fronts. The Fourth Amendment exception allows agents to conduct searches without a warrant at the border and its functional equivalents. This exception exists because of the government's interest in regulating immigration and customs, thereby enabling agents to perform thorough inspections.

Moreover, CBP relies on seizure statistics to justify border security measures and funding. Seizure statistics, such as the quantity of illegal drugs intercepted, weapons confiscated, or undocumented immigrants apprehended, serve as tangible metrics to demonstrate the effectiveness of CBP operations. These statistics are instrumental in policy formulation and funding requests, aiding in the justification of expenses associated with border enforcement. As public perception often aligns with reported metrics, an increased number of seizures enhances the perceived success of border security initiatives, crucial for ongoing support and resources dedicated to these efforts.

2. Open Markets and Closed Borders

The dynamic interplay between "open markets and closed borders" represents a significant challenge in the context of smuggling, free trade, and border enforcement. Open markets are characterized by the free movement of goods, services, and capital; they promote economic growth, enhance competition, and increase consumer choice. However, the ease of goods movement in open markets also generates opportunities for illicit activities, such as smuggling. Criminal organizations often exploit these vulnerabilities to traffic drugs, contraband, and even human beings. Consequently, border enforcement agencies face the difficult task of balancing the enforcement of laws against smuggling with the operational necessities of maintaining a robust free trade environment.

Border enforcement must implement strategies to mitigate risks posed by smuggling without stifling legitimate economic activities. Efficient customs processes, risk-based targeting, and technological advancements contribute to maintaining this balance. In recent years, initiatives like the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act have been implemented to enhance the efficiency of customs operations while simultaneously tightening oversight to deter and combat smuggling. The challenge lies in creating regulations that discourage illegal activities without hampering the flow of commerce that sustains the economy.

3. Facilitating Legal Border Crossings While Maintaining Secure Borders

Facilitating legal border crossings while ensuring security presents a complex challenge for U.S. border officials. The primary goal of border enforcement agencies is to manage the flow of individuals and goods across borders, ensuring compliance with immigration and customs laws while safeguarding public safety. However, these agencies must simultaneously minimize any delays or inconveniences for lawful travelers. Customs and Border Protection has implemented programs such as Global Entry, which streamline the entry process for pre-approved, low-risk travelers, thereby reducing congestion and improving the user experience at checkpoints.

The integration of technology, such as biometric screening and mobile applications to facilitate border crossing, plays a crucial role in achieving this balance. However, these systems require significant investments and continuous updates to address evolving threats. Additionally, the challenge of maintaining secure borders is compounded by external factors, such as geopolitical tensions and migration patterns influenced by humanitarian crises. Policymakers must remain vigilant in evaluating and adapting border security strategies to meet these challenges while fostering an accommodating atmosphere for lawful border crossings.

4. Economic Impact of Terrorism on U.S. and Global Markets since 9/11

The economic impact of terrorism is profound and far-reaching, particularly following the September 11 attacks on the United States. Since 9/11, the U.S. economy has experienced a variety of direct and indirect economic repercussions. An increase in security measures across all sectors, particularly in aviation and transportation, has resulted in heightened costs for businesses and consumers alike. In the aftermath of 9/11, the airline industry faced substantial declines in passenger travel, leading to significant financial challenges and resulting in heightened government intervention and regulatory measures.

Globally, the repercussions of terrorism extend to market stability and international trade. Uncertainty stemming from terrorist threats often leads to volatile markets, as investors react to perceived risks associated with security and stability amidst geopolitical tensions. These economic impacts underscore the importance of homeland security initiatives, which, while costly, are intended to safeguard the economy against future acts of terrorism. The total cost of the post-9/11 security measures has been estimated in trillions of dollars, highlighting the extensive financial burden borne by both the U.S. and global economies due to the persistent threat of terrorism.

5. Impact of GATT and NAFTA on Cross-Border Trade in North America

The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) play significant roles in shaping cross-border trade dynamics in North America. GATT, established in 1947, aimed at promoting international trade by reducing tariffs and other trade barriers. Over the years, GATT has successfully facilitated the evolution of global trade, leading to the establishment of the World Trade Organization (WTO). NAFTA, implemented in 1994, further built upon the principles of GATT specifically within North America, allowing for unparalleled access to markets among the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

NAFTA has significantly increased trade volumes among member countries, enhancing goods and services exchange while leading to the integration of supply chains and boosting economic cooperation. However, it has also generated debates surrounding labor impacts and environmental considerations, as industries and labor markets adjusted to the newfound competitive landscape. Despite these debates, the overall effects of GATT and NAFTA have catalyzed economic growth, increased job creation in trade-related sectors, and bolstered North America's role in the global marketplace.

References

  • U.S. Customs and Border Protection. (2020). Border Security. Retrieved from https://www.cbp.gov/border-security
  • U.S. Department of Homeland Security. (2021). Fourth Amendment & Border Searches. Retrieved from https://www.dhs.gov/fourth-amendment-border-searches
  • U.S. Trade Representative. (2019). Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act. Retrieved from https://ustr.gov/trade-agreements/trade-facilitation-act
  • World Bank. (2022). Economic Impact of Terrorism: U.S. and Global Markets. Retrieved from https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/economic-impact-terrorism
  • International Trade Centre. (2021). General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade. Retrieved from https://www.intracen.org/GTAP-World-Trade-Database/
  • Levinson, A. (2007). The NAFTA Success Story. Foreign Policy Magazine. Retrieved from https://foreignpolicy.com/2007/12/01/the-nafta-success-story/
  • Blomberg, S. B., & Hess, G. D. (2008). The Impact of Terrorism on International Trade. European Journal of Political Economy. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/european-journal-of-political-economy
  • Katz, L. F., & Krueger, A. B. (2016). The impact of trade on the labor market. Brookings Institution Press.
  • Trade Policy Review: United States. (2020). World Trade Organization. Retrieved from https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/tpr_e.htm
  • OECD. (2019). Cross-Border Trade: Costs and Benefits. Retrieved from https://www.oecd.org/trade/cross-border-trade-benefits.htm

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