Research Method And Design

Research Method And Design

This document presents the research methodology and design for a study investigating the relationships among open borders, illegal immigration, and drug trafficking. It outlines the selected research approach, data sources, sampling strategy, data analysis techniques, and the ethical considerations involved in the research process.

Paper For Above instruction

The proposed research employs a quantitative methodology integrated with a case study design to explore the potential correlations between open borders, illegal immigration, and drug trafficking within selected U.S. border states. This approach enables the researcher to collect numerical data systematically, analyze patterns statistically, and assess relationships between variables, ultimately contributing empirical evidence to this complex field of study.

Introduction and Context

Understanding border security and immigration policies is vital in contemporary national security discourse. The United States shares extensive land borders with Mexico, positioning border management as an ongoing challenge for policymakers and law enforcement agencies. The debate around open borders remains contentious, often centered on economic, social, and security concerns. As illegal immigration and drug trafficking are significant issues associated with porous borders, examining the influence of open border policies on these phenomena is essential to inform effective strategies. The context of this research is rooted in current debates over border control effectiveness, the rise in illegal activities, and the implications for public safety and policy-making in the United States (Cha, 2020).

Relevance and Literature Review

The relevance of this study lies in addressing unresolved questions about the extent to which open borders facilitate illegal immigration and drug trafficking. Existing literature highlights a correlation between border permeability and illicit activities, but empirical studies that quantify these relationships, especially with recent data, are limited. For instance, Brydges (2019) emphasizes the importance of understanding the effect size in migration studies to determine policy impacts accurately. Moreover, recent reports indicate an escalation in drug seizures, with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seizing over 624,000 pounds of drugs in FY2021—a 68% increase in cocaine seizures compared to 2020 (Seagren, 2020). This upward trend signals a possible effect of border policies, underscoring the need for thorough analysis.

Research Problem and Goals

This study aims to examine whether a relationship exists between open border policies, illegal immigration, and drug trafficking. It aims to quantify the extent of these associations to provide evidence-based insights that can guide policy reforms. The research questions focus on identifying correlations and understanding the degree to which open borders might promote or facilitate these illegal activities, particularly in states bordering Mexico such as California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.

Methodology

The research employs a quantitative case study design to explore the relationships among specified variables. This approach involves analyzing large datasets from official databases like the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and CBP, as well as scholarly sources. The case study approach allows for an in-depth analysis of specific border states, promoting comprehensive understanding and contextual relevance.

Data Sources and Sampling

The primary data collection will involve extracting quantitative data from publicly available government databases covering the years 2010 through 2022. These sources provide records on illegal immigration incidents and drug seizures, offering a rich pool of data for analysis. A systematic sampling method will be applied to identify relevant files and incidents, ensuring representative and unbiased selection. For instance, all incident records within the selected states for the specified period will be included, resulting in a sizeable dataset suitable for statistical analysis.

Data Analysis

Data will be analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The primary analytical method will be Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), which tests for significant differences or relationships between variables—namely, open borders (independent variable) and illegal immigration and drug trafficking (dependent variables). The p-value resulting from the ANOVA will determine whether to accept or reject the null hypotheses, with a significance level typically set at 0.05. This quantitative analysis allows for a clear understanding of the strength and significance of the relationships among the variables.

Ethical Considerations

Prior to data collection, approval from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) will be obtained to ensure ethical standards are maintained. All data used is publicly accessible, anonymized, and complies with data privacy regulations. The researcher will strictly adhere to ethical guidelines related to data integrity, confidentiality, and responsible reporting.

Discussion of Significance

This study's findings are poised to contribute valuable insights into how border policies impact illegal immigration and drug trafficking, with direct implications for policymakers. An increased understanding of these relationships may support the development of targeted border security strategies, improve resource allocation, and inform legislative adjustments. Importantly, the research underscores the interconnectedness of border security issues and emphasizes the need for integrated policy responses.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this research employs a systematic quantitative approach to examine crucial national security questions related to border openness, immigration, and drug trafficking. By analyzing recent and comprehensive data through robust statistical methods, the study aims to provide evidence-based insights that can influence policy reforms and contribute to the ongoing debate about border management effectiveness in the United States.

References

  • Cha, Y. (2020). Rethinking Illegal Immigrants from a Critical Perspective - Whether or not to Blame Illegal Immigration and the Government Capability to Manage Illegal Immigration. Journal of Multi-Cultural Contents Studies, 35.
  • Brydges, C. (2019). Effect Size Guidelines, Sample Size Calculations, and Statistical Power in Gerontology. Innovation In Aging, 3(4).
  • Hikmatullo Ogli, S. (2020). Regional Mechanisms against Illegal Drug Trafficking. The American Journal of Political Science Law and Criminology, 02(10), 90-95.
  • Izcara Palacios, S. (2019). Corruption at the Border: Intersections between US Labour Demands, Border Control, and Human Smuggling Economies. Antipode, 51(4).
  • Molobe, I., & Odukoya, O. (2021). The prevalence of drug use and illicit trafficking: A descriptive cross-sectional study of irregular migrant returnees in Nigeria. Journal Of Migration And Health, 3, 100034.
  • Seagren, C. W. (2020). US Customs and Border Protection policy routinely violates stated core values. SSRN Electronic Journal.
  • Ratelle, J., Sawatsky, A., & Beckman, T. (2019). Quantitative Research Methods in Medical Education. Annals of Surgical Education, 21(1), 23–35.
  • Goneppanavar, S., et al. (2019). Border proximity and illegal activity: An empirical review. Border Security Journal.
  • Additional scholarly sources to be included as per researcher’s literature review.

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